Vena E. Excel, or Pretty Vee as millions have come to know her, gave a stellar solo debut performance to a sold out crowd at Atlanta, Georgia’s historic Center Stage Theater; “Sharoonn Said It!”. Even with over 6 million followers on Instagram, it’s no small feat to sell out a 1,050 seat theater, especially for a debut solo performance with no special guest announced. Here’s a detailed honest review of the show, the experience, and my personal experience as a journalist.
It’s important to start off by saying, Vena excelled as Sharoonn! Sharoonn is a character Pretty Vee created that has racked up millions in views, thousands of laughing emojis, and “you make me sick(‘s)”, which is just another way we say, thank you in our community. Choosing Sharoonn as the first character to debut on stage, being a Jamaican Woman herself, was a beautiful ode to her culture and heritage, and from what I witnessed Friday night, the Caribbean people in the audience absolutely loved those aspects.
Vena’s comedic timing, ability, character acting, well rehearsed blocking, stage cues, lighting choices, music choices, and casting choices was comparable to what you’d see in a Broadway show, which speaks to Vena and her team’s ability to produce a show.
Now that the pleasantries are shared let me take you to the beginning, my experience as a journalist. On July 12th 2024 I sent an email to the booking address listed on Pretty Vee’s Instagram account. Generally that is not something Id do, but considering there was no email for press inquires, or a manager listed, I thought it was apropos to use what was listed to inquire about a press opportunity. This was Pretty Vee’s first show, and after suffering through horrible tooth pain I was finally okay enough to feel comfortable to start applying for press again, which is why I applied only 7 days before the event. I did not want to miss it.
I didn’t think I’d get accepted for press because of what I considered to be the late inquiry sent. After not hearing anything back via email, even after Pretty Vee herself (July 12th) responded to my Instagram Direct Message saying; “Hey let’s do it, I’m gonna send it over to my point of contact“, I figured too many inquires happened and there was no room for me. I randomly got food poisoning on July 16th and thought…whelp-good thing I didn’t hear anything back! But on July 18th at 4:37am a day before the show, after 3 follow up emails that went unanswered, I received a forwarded message from Ty Johnston (producer, director) with a welcome message for press. I was stoked, but also rattled.
The reason I was rattled is because in my initial email I asked if I could cover this event similar to what i’d done with India.Arie, Azealia Banks, and Muni Long (Priscilla Renae), which is a short in depth docu-interview style that my company is known for. Without knowing if Pretty Vee’s DM response was a yes to the email I sent or the direct message, and without knowing if Ty’s email was a yes to my docu-interview email, I asked Ty if we could speak on the phone. Ty was gracious to accept my scheduled call and was even more pleasant and gracious when we finally spoke. Ty apologized for being late as she was wrapping up a meeting and after hearing my confusion she let me know it may not happen, which I understood being a performer myself and understanding how performers need focus before the show.
I told Ty I didn’t want to disrupt anything and whatever is set for the media, I’ll do just that. I was grateful for Ty. She helped me calm my nerves as I prepared for the show the very next day.
After filling out the press form Ty sent over and getting a confirmation and a strict itinerary from Bre Pierce (executive assistant to CEO of Barnes Media Group Dr. Rashae Barnes) day of show, I asked, as the information was never given, if there would be seating for press during the show, and would we be allowed to photograph/film the show. I was told press would not have seats in the theatre, and that filming could only be done via cell phone. I wasn’t happy about this. It’s not what I’m used to, but I respected the professionalism and clarity, and decided to show up and deliver.
If you’re reading and thinking, why is he writing about his experience and not more about the show? That will become clear toward the end, but also, it’s important to document and have a place where future Black journalist can read and understand in fullness the true experience of independent journalism.
I, and my plus one, who’d projectile vomited that same morning, headed to Center Stage for a strict (written in all caps via email) 5pm press call time. I arrived on time, headed inside, was greeted by Center Stage staff and was told I could not enter without a press pass. Fair, I asked; “where is Ty Johnston or Bre or someone who’d have the press passes so I’m not late for the 5pm strict call time“, and I was told, very aggressively, I don’t know, but call them and ask.
After looking through my email, and as other press congregated inside to escape Atlanta’s heat, I called who I assumed was Bre, and was told they were running 10 minutes late and to wait for them to come. I was told press wouldn’t be allowed in until 6pm when they do VIP Meet and Greet. Considering the strict 5pm sharp call time for press check-in I was confused as to how no one was there to greet us and protect us from what became a shit show. As I waited inside for the late arrivals I witness several people on Pretty Vee’s team have loud arguments with the staff at Center Stage. Considering show business, an argument or two is expected, but it seemed the staff was pissed and they took it out on the press.
Understand this. As media, we are often the lowest on the totem pole when it comes to the entertainment business. We are often seen as vultures for pictures, videos, and expendable. With this in mind, many treat us like we are insignificant, and while the latter is not true, it is often the thinking of many, unfortunately, especially for Black media outlets, and journalists.
After a few low blows from a male on Pretty Vee’s team to a staff member at Center Stage about his tight small tee shirt occurred the press was told we could no longer sit in the perfectly air conditioned waiting area at the unused ticket booth and that we’d have to wait outside in the heat until someone came and checked us in. I was beyond pissed. The attitudes of the staff at Center Stage and the lack of urgency and care for the press on Vena’s team cultivated this unfortunate experience, which could’ve all been avoided. I even witnessed a young lady wheel her press bags in who was unaware of what we’d just experience be met with disdain after she simply inquired about press check in and was met with “leave now or else you’ll make it difficult for you to return” by a loc haired staff member of Center Stage, who prior to that exchange was the only nice staff member. It was…a scene.
After being forced to wait outside, two staff members of Center Stage stepped outside. One of them was determined to cause more anguish and vocalized loud enough for us to hear, but not so loud that he could protect himself and claim he wasn’t talking to us, but to another staff member, which is true, the words; “what the fuck does press mean”, to which the other staff member stated; “nothing” and they both said “exactly” chuckled and walked back inside. After ten minutes or so the determined one stepped back outside, waited a minute and said to a young man (press) sitting on the steps using his phone; “aye bruh you can’t sit on the steps you have to move”. His attitude and tone was so nasty that the young man turned in complete disgust, turned back to his phone to make sense of what was happening, and this made the staff member even more upset. The staff member then raised his voice and said “you have to get up,” in which the young man stated; “I heard you, just give me a second”. As the staff member began to notice his pettiness was being witness he then switched up and said “young lady you too, you cannot sit on the steps sit down there on the rocks or stand or something”. I stood there in awe and anger as I hate when anyone is taken advantage of or spoken to ill-mannered. All of this could have been avoided if Pretty Vee’s team was on time, and had more care and urgency for press.
The ten minute wait time that was given to me by the person who was supposed to check us in turned into almost 20 minutes of waiting outside in the heat. Not before long a Woman pulled up. I’d noticed her face, but wasn’t sure who she was. She sat in the car watching us with her windows rolled up. I sat atop the stairs with my equipment, an older female press photographer stood beside me with hers, and others stood and sat on the rocks. It was clear who we were. After a while the Woman who I now recognize was Dr Rashae Barnes, greeted us as a late press member with a visible camera on his neck walked by. She rolled down her window and asked; “hey are you press?” he said yes, and she said; “okay cool I’ll check ya’ll in once someone comes to park my car”. The young man who was accosted earlier stated; “we just needed the passes to get in because they said we-“, before he could truly finish Dr Barnes replied; “Oh okay, I have the passes here with me i’ll check ya’ll in in a second.”
As if being in the heat wasn’t enough, the comfortable spot I assumed while waiting for check in was told to me it was no longer allowed; “Oh yea, every one standing by the steps have to move off the steps and wait down the steps”. While fair as it could pose a potential safety hazard, I was annoyed. It was then that I fought every single thought to say; “fuck this shit,” and leave. I’d become silent. I find saying nothing is the best way for me to control my anger so as to not hurt anyone, especially those who don’t deserve it. Reacting off anger versus sound mind, is not something I do, especially in professional settings, but I was hot, on time, carrying heavy things that I refuse to place on the ground, annoyed, and very hungry.
Not before long we were checked in. I allowed my assistant to check us in as words were not available to me due to my being annoyed. I was then even more angry when I was told only one press pass would be given to my assistant and I even though the communication before, filling out the form, and even during check in our names were cleared for two. The anger came in not exactly because they were running out of press passes and pretending they weren’t, but because I assumed the staff at Center Stage would then not allow us in if we did not individually have press passes. A fair assumption considering how they behaved before. As we walked inside and I feared for the worst. The loc headed staff member graciously let us in with the understanding that they’d only given us one press pass for us both. Finally, momentary relief.
As we walked in it was then that I was finally able to notice how superbly done the gallery was! It was beyond excellent, and on theme! Rochelle James Designs, who handled the art work and The Bella Experience who handled the preparations did an amazing job of creating a world outside of the theatre that mimicked Jamaican culture, all things Pretty Vee and the Sharoonn experience! Pretty Vee blown up into walk decor, Caribbean money with Pretty Vee, baskets of mango fruit and stands with hay and Sharoonn’s voice echoing throughout the gallery was truly an experience. Not to mention the free beef patties, provided you follow the account, served by Mobay Spice Atl. It was all magnificent!
As Pretty Vee finally appeared she made her way to the press area. It was my first time seeing her in person and what I saw before me was a star. I saw someone with intention, walking in her purpose. I also saw someone gracious and elated, but also focus-minded. It was in this moment that I rested my heart and thought; I won’t write about my full experience. I’ll take this on the chin. Even though this is not what I do as a platform, and I wanted to truly capture Pretty Vee in her first big moment for a true story-telling visual, I could tell she had nothing but great intentions and her tension around the show was evident, which means she cares deeply. I want the best for her.
I graciously waited my turn as my stomach started acting up again. Due to my prior food poisoning this was an inopportune time to be dealing with this. My face wasn’t pleasant because of this and I thought, Jesus lord we cannot have my food poisoned belly give me bubble guts at this moment! As I walked up to interview Pretty Vee my assistant took the reigns again as she saw my face was not the usual care bear that it is. She greeted Pretty Vee with a smile and a big theater hello as only Sheleah Harris could, which gave me a bit of time to gather myself. I am grateful for her being there. As I gathered my face, I began to interview Pretty Vee being sure not to ask for too much, or do too much as I could also see between pictures, and questions from press before, that she was nervous, but focused. [watch interview below]
I had full relief. I let go of the events before, ate a free beef patty which was delicious, sat and talked with my assistant until she left after her prior sickness started to kick up again. I waited alone to be seated after being told by Dr Rashae and Ty Johnston that press actually did have seating at the top of the venue, but no seat numbers or tickets were given. I trusted this.
As meet and greets commenced and even a quick pop-out from Kway, and B. Simone created a buzz, I waited patiently for the doors to open and to be directed to the seats for press. After using the bathroom in preparation to be seated, I walked to sit on the far side of the venue next to a door man who seemed wildly pleasant. This door man is the reason I stayed to see the show. As the doors opened and seating began, I rose to head inside. As I lifted my pass to say I was press and was told there would be seating for us, Ace, the door man who without pause let me know he was autistic, said; “without a seating number or ticket I cannot seat you, please check with your point of contact”. And while Ace did not say it as succinctly as the aforementioned, he was kind. As Ace spoke to me, at length, about being; “the only one in history to actually have a real beef with Tyler Perry” after covering one of his shows at the Fox Theatre, playfully of course, the head door man called for Ace’s attention and stated loudly enough for me to hear; “Don’t ask me shit about press they don’t have a ticket they’re not getting seated I don’t give a fuck about them only paying people only!” I walked to the main area and found Dr Barnes to inform her of what I’d just witnessed and it was her response that made me reconsider to write my full experience.
Dr. Barnes, after informing her what’d just taken place in hopes she’d offer a ticket number or specific area or something substantial that I could bring to these men in hopes I’m not accosted and forced to release the built up anger I had from earlier in true Newark New Jersey fashion, said; “Okay, this is what you do, go to Ticketmaster and check to see if there’s any seats left, the show is sold out, but there may be resale check that and if it’s there sit in that area or row in the seat that’s empty”. My internal jaw dropped. I could tell she believed she was doing the right thing, which is why I didn’t make a face or complain and why it pains me, almost even makes me afraid to write this article in fear of weak-minded retaliation and Black listing this industry loves to do so much when truth is told. But this was wildly unacceptable especially after stating multiple times that there would be seating for press. It was confusion overload. I walked away in fear that I’d have to lie my way in. So, I tried to do exactly what Dr Barnes suggested. I looked on Ticketmaster, saw a resale ticket and told Ace that I was told to be in Row C for which he quickly explained to me that whatever I was told he’d still need a seat number. I was hopeless, and upset. I was about to leave.
After deciding I was just going to leave and scrap it all as not seeing the show to give a review would mean I wasted my time, Ace saw me and said; “hey, I figured it out for you, this area right here behind sound is where press will sit.” I was ecstatic! I thought in that moment, why couldn’t Dr Barnes, or Ty Johnston or Bre or someone on Pretty Vee’s team do this? Why is it that press is made to walk around aimlessly, as I was not the only one, bewildered and uninformed? As I sat down I felt momentary relief until I saw the angry head ticket man speak nastily to another press person not allowing them to come in! It pissed me off, but there was nothing I felt I could do considering I started to feel like Ace was just being nice and didn’t know if press could actually sit where I was sitting as more people came in who were not press and started to take up the row Ace had just said was designated to press only. I was rattled. After sitting for a brief moment I took a call, left my bag in my seat and decided to step out. When I returned one of the few press people who’d stayed asked me if I knew where press was seated. In confusion I said, no, however, ask Ace, and pointed to Ace. Ace was determined that the row I was sitting in was indeed for press. So, he sat there.
As the sold out venue is filling up and no one has come to tell me to move, I started to feel less pressure. The entire time my paranoia was heightened, and playing in my head, as loudly as the speakers in the room, was Michael Jackson’s backing vocals on Rockwell’s record; “How come it feels like, somebodies watching me?”. And as the popular phrase that ends the motif of that lyric played in my head almost simultaneously and in rhythm; “Oh oh oh”, came a tap, tap, tap on my shoulder of a beautifully chocolate statuesque Woman kindly saying; “Hi, I think you’re in my seat”, and she was right! It was this moment when I decided, I am definitely writing about my experience in full! How much more could I take?
I kindly got out of her way, sat in the seat next to her and hoped that my time today wasn’t wasted. And then my saving grace.
As more supporters filled the seats of the theater I felt good to see more press had sat in the same row, but that fear was still lingering. I received a direct message on Instagram as I’d been uploading my positive experiences of the night and Pretty Vee graciously reposted a few. The message came from fellow journalist Jasmyne Flowers. Jasmyne saw a clip I posted of her interviewing Pretty Vee and jovially exclaimed; “Omg yassss that’s meeeee!!!”. I asked her to turn around as she was sitting comfortably in her seat as if it was assigned to her, I couldn’t relate, but we waved and I continued to direct message her. I told her I loved her seating area and she said she’d ask if the seat next to her was taken by one of the show runners there. She was told it wasn’t and I got up with glee to finally have a seat that was assigned and that no one could tell me to get up from! At last…peace.
I sat and talked with Jasmyne as she told me how much of a loving, and caring experience she’d had doing BTS for Pretty Vee. It was then when I realized there was already someone hired to do what i’d ask to do in my email. What I was told as to why I couldn’t film my docu-style interview was not that someone else was already doing it, however, I was just glad someone captured it. Jasmyne shared her apologies, good fortune, encouragement for me writing the truth in this article, and a listening ear, I will forever be grateful to her for that. She helped me release my frustrations by simply being…kind.
Just as the show was about the began yet another tap, tap, tap, but this time without the paranoia, occurred. Yup! The seats were taken! Jasmyne, and her point of contact were both shocked! The point of contact did not want to argue, but suggested those seats weren’t even on the website to be purchased, but told Jasmyne and I to sit directly behind them a row below where Ace told us press could sit.
Even though the events leading up to this point did not give me reason, for whatever reason, I felt settled sitting there. As the event started not only did no one move us, but they were the best seats in the house! I sat directly behind comedian and friend to Pretty Vee, GotDamn Zo, and to the side of B. Simone with Jasmyne left of me. After much unnecessary uncertainty, confusion, and complete lack of consideration…I was finally comfortable, and did not have to move!
If I had to rate the show out of five stars, with my Kieth Lee hands at the ready, I give it a 3.9 out of 5 stars. Not quite 4, and definitely not 5. But, If I had to rate the show based on it being Pretty Vee’s first solo debut show, a perfect 5 out of 5 stars! It is not easy selling tickets, producing a show, directing a show, and gathering a team together to entertain an audience in a different medium than they’re used to seeing you, and based on the crowd’s reaction during, and after, it’s clear Pretty Vee did exceptionally. Now, my review isn’t arbitrary I have a wonderful resume in acting, a BA in contemporary arts with a focus in music, musical theater, acting, film and photography so you can trust me when I say, it’s worth seeing.
The show began with a very well done short film introducing the show. The short featured Pretty Vee as she is heading to the stage and running into a cast of famous friends masked as characters in her story. Pretty Vee ran into DC Young Fly as the Box Office ticket master, B. Simone as her friend, and even Funny Marco as the crass janitor. Even though the projector screen was useless in terms of visibility, size, and function, the side screens were excellent. The video ended with Pretty Vee making sure to separate herself from the character Sharoonn by employing special FX to show Sharoonn and Pretty Vee speaking to each other. An absolutely incredible idea and execution. During the end she even comically states; “cancel Sharoonn not Pretty Vee”, which in my interview [watch above] she mistakenly reversed that phrase, but I understood what was meant.
I would have loved to see the intro video end with Sharoonn and the curtains opening at the same time, but for whatever reason the video ends with Sharoonn walking towards what is assumed to be the stage and instead of the curtains opening, the DJ hypes the crowd up to get ready for Pretty Vee as Sharoonn. Maybe a malfunction happened due to the video suggesting that’s how it should be, or maybe this was a choice, either way when the curtains opened to a beautifully designed stage with a large hut and all of Sharoonn’s iconic memorabilia on the stage, the audience absolutely lost their minds including B Simone! Pretty Vee was in full control of that character as she stomped, danced, and grooved her way out of the hut to began the show.
The show was well written. At first I thought Pretty Vee wrote it all herself, but at the end when thanking people she gave thanks to the writer who wrote the show. He did excellent! During the show there were jokes made in true Sharoonn fashion, but also some racy jokes that spoke to the times and some even from Vena’s personal life: a Diddy and Meek Mill joke, a Rick Ross joke that ended with her hopping on the stage in LA fashion to “They Not Like Us”, and plenty of Sharoonn foolishness. At one point of the show Sharoonn made a male audience member to take off his shirt as she washed it. I doubt it was a random person, but if it was, kudos to her! Even Pretty Vee’s friend Shelly Anderson who Vena said wasn’t even an actress did well as the co-star of the production. DC Young Fly made a special appearance, which made the crowd roar in a frenzy! Even though his time was short, it made the impact you’d expect from a comedy show. It worked. It all worked.
If I had any criticism for the show beyond the few I’ve already mentioned it would be, and I timed this, the show was extremely short. From the intro video which began at 8:47pm to curtain closing which was 9:20 the show was clocked at 33 minutes. Even with thank you’s to the audience and friends on stage, a standing ovation with happy tears from Vena, the surprise “sold out” plaque commencement, and surprise guest artist Shenseea the additional show ended at 9:33pm bringing the total time to about 46 minutes.
Now, to be fair, a show under an hour with a ticket price of only 25 dollars for most seats and about 35-40 dollars for meet and greets and vip seating, I doubt if any one is truly believing they didn’t get their money’s worth, but as a first solo show she left much to be desired. Personally, I believe this works in her favor as it will undoubtedly make the 1,050 people who bought tickets want to come back, but next time bring more friends as they now know what to expect. But it left me wanting more from Pretty Vee, which leads me into my last critique. Pretty Vee is rare. She is a great actress. She was born for this. What I mean by that is, some people were born with the natural ability to commit to the ridiculousness of life. Some people act ridiculous, but Actors, as an actor myself, are not acting, we are being. Pretty Vee was being funny, not acting funny, Pretty Vee commits and I wanted, almost needed to see more of her, of her gifts, all of them. I wanted more, and if that was the goal then… well done!
Some of you may feel my very detailed article and review about my experience and the show was unnecessary or too harsh for a debut solo show, and to that I say this: If I don’t speak up for Black journalist, for the honest experience not only I received but every single press member there tonight, who will? I often find too many are too afraid to share. I am not. I believe I was fair, honest, and gave what I always give, true journalistic integrity. And while I do not believe the professionals in Pretty Vee’s camp or even Vena herself will read this and have anything other than graciousness for my review, they all truly seem like great people, but I would absolutely understand if their passion kicked in.
After all we are all artist and we are sensitive about our shit.
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