This weekend Shirley Murdock, Christopher Wil­liams, Clifton Powell, Chrys­tale Wilson and Carl Payne star in a play at the Byham Theater Downtown April 24-25. Murdock and Powell share their thoughts about why seeing this play is so important and how it could change someone’s life.

SHIRLEY MURDOCK and CLIFTON POWELL

“I have known Derrick and Celeste Brinkley for years,” said singer/actress Murdock. “Both of our sons are 18 years of age and we have known each other since our children were about nine years of age. I’ve toured with many of their plays in the past. ‘A Women’s Revenge’ and ‘Guilty Until Proven Innocent’ were some of the plays I’ve done in the past with them. The main thing about ‘I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You’ is it’s about a family and the choices that we make. Sometimes people makes permanent choices based on a temporary situation. Decisions that we make does not just affect you, but it affects everyone that you are attached to. If a husband makes a bad decision it is good for the family because even though it seems good for him, the wife and marriage suffers and the children too. It’s like a domino effect.

Have you ever wondered why music is important to you?

Scientists have all sorts of explanations, but you probably can’t live without your iPod because those tunes speak to you. Those songs move you, body and soul, and the singers say words you wish you could say.

But despite the fame and fortune, the lives of those singers aren’t as great as you think they are—or were, as in the case of one rapper. In the new book “Tupac Shakur: The Life and Times of an American Icon” by Tayannah Lee McQuillar and Fred L. Johnson III, you’ll read about him.

(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn: I wonder what you think of my parents. Instead of leaving me their money, they gave over $250,000 to an organization that helps disabled adults. I told my mother I did not like that particular organization. I explained to her that I would rather see the state repaid for my hospitalization.

I want to tell you a story I remember: In 1986, I was homeless. My mother called me at the shelter and set up a meeting with me. At the meeting she asked how could she help me. I said, “Well, you could let me into your house to take a shower because the water in the shower at the shelter is cold.” She said, “Oh no. I don’t want your lice in my house.” Then, she became more “thoughtful” and said, “Even if that was not the case, just to give you a shower wouldn’t be a final solution for you.” I said, “Cruel dictators used to talk like that.”

This week I visited the Pittsburgh Improv at the Waterfront in Homestead, CJ’s in the Strip District, the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty, St. Benedict The Moor Hall in the Hill District and Calvary Baptist Church in the Hill District.

My first stop was at the Pittsburgh Improv at the Waterfront in Homestead where Thomas Miles, aka Nephew Tommy, performed live on stage for his fans along with Keisha Hunt, Dominique and Sonya D. If you missed it, the show was hilarious, with laughter all through the evening.

The ladies came out in full force at the City Sharkers event at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum.