religion,” McRae said. “I didn’t feel that I should compromise. I didn’t feel that I should do things that God didn’t want me to do.” Instead, McRae went home and began writing. He decided that faith and theater could co-exist. He Courtesy of Joe McRae CARTERET MAN COMBINES FAITH WITH THEATER Joe McRae’s “Real Men Pray” To Start East Coast Tour It’s been said when one door closes, an-other opens. But emerging playwright and producer Joe McRae of Carteret knows all too well that he had to turn the knob and give the door a good push to get to where he is today – just months from taking his play, “Real Men Pray,” on the road for an East Coast tour after its performances began on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Crossroads Theatre in New Brunswick. Thirteen years ago, McRae was an aspiring actor nurturing dreams of a theatrical career while working as a caseworker for the Division of Youth and Family Services and raising a young family with his wife Sonia. As a sociology major at New Jersey City University, he had acted in college theater, doing everything from “Hamlet” to “The Wiz." He was called to New York to audition for a voiceover, the type of bread-andbutter work young actors gladly accept while awaiting their big break. But it wasn’t to be. Asked to recite a string of expletives during the audition, McRae refused. A man of deep faith, he says he could not, in good conscience, utter words he felt were offensive to his beliefs. The director pleaded with him. “God will forgive you,” she said. Her words stung him even more. He left, perhaps ending any chance of an acting career in the mainstream entertainment industry. “They wanted me to do things that went against my founded Joe McRae Productions and wrote his first faiththemed play, “Take Back What the Devil Stole,” in 1998. His second, “All That Glitters Ain’t Gold,” was nominated for a Gospel Tiffany Award. He also wrote and produced “Behind the Shout” and “That’s My Momma.” Each speaks to audiences about the power of faith. In his plays, he aims to communicate the message of a loving, forgiving God through believable characters faced with the familiar challenges of life. The dialogue is realistic and contemporary, but never profane. “After every show I’ve done, someone comes up to me and says ‘you just told my story’,” he said. “Real Men Pray,” which will be presented at Cross-roads Theatre in New Brunswick today (Sat., Dec. 3) at 2 and 7 p.m., focuses on four men whose lifelong friendship is nearly destroyed by a series of betrayals and bad choices that derail their dreams and their relationships with the women in their lives. “Real Men Pray” was written to appeal to young people and families as it delivers lessons of truth and redemption via Ms. Lola, known as “The Wisdom,” a matriarchal, all-knowing figure who’s seen and lived it all. Faith and religion remain central to McRae’s life. He has been in the ministry for 14 years and is an Elder with a Church in Jersey City while still working as a caseworker. He also produces skits and leads theater workshops for young people in schools, community centers and nonprofit organizations. Past performances of “Real Men Pray” was scheduled at The Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia, March 3; the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, April14; Newark Symphony Hall, May 18 and 19; The Billie Holiday Theatre in New York City, July 27 and 28; and Howard University in Washington, D.C., Sept. 29. McRae is now on tour with "That's My Momma" another must see play, by Joe McRae., For more information about Joe www.JoeMcRaeProduction.com. go online to 21 Jessica Rogers Ministries www.simply-jessica.com
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