Terry McMillan News Reports

Terry McMillan's 'Waiting to Exhale' sequel, 'Getting to Happy,' headed to the big screen

Considering three of best-selling author Terry McMillan’s novels have been adapted to either the big- or little-screen, it’s no surprise that her latest endeavor, Getting to Happy, is receiving another life on celluloid. Twentieth Century Fox has confirmed that they’ve optioned the recently released sequel to Waiting to Exhale with McMillan and Lori Lakin Hutcherson writing the script together.

The two scribes first met when Hutcherson was a studio executive working with Fox 2000 chief Elizabeth Gabler on Waiting to Exhale, McMillan’s debut novel. McMillan was actually Hutcherson’s inspiration for quitting her Hollywood job to take up screenwriting full-time. She has since written for a variety of television shows.

Fox 2000 plans to move quickly on Getting to Happy, which centers on the four women of Waiting to Exhale 15 years later. They are all now in their 50s at their own mid-life crossroads. No news on casting yet, but as a refresher, the four women of the 1995 Forrest Whitaker-directed movie were played by Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rachon. How cool would it be to bring them back for another round?

Best Selling Author Terry McMillan Teams With Broadway's 'Fela!'

Best-selling author Terry McMillan is all about telling the stories about the African American experience.

The celebrated novelist will head to Broadway for a unique meet-and-greet and book signing experience this weekend.

On Dec.4, McMillan and National Association of Black Journalists Arts and Entertainment Task Force Co-Chair Patrick L. Riley will have a candid conversation following the matinee performance of the Tony Award-winning musical 'Fela!'

The cast of 'Fela!' will join them for a talk, which is co-sponsored by Harlem's Hue-Man bookstore, as they uncover the importance of telling stories from the Africa Diaspora with special emphasis being placed on who tells these stories for and of the black community.

Riley, a Morehouse College alum who has worked on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' and several other notable television series, previously moderated a panel at Hue Man bookstore with the 'Fela!' producers and some cast members.

Riley believes that theatergoers will be pleased with the afternoon discussion.

"Terry is such the exemplar of work, in this case, literature, that has the power to heal and shift and expand thought," he said. "It makes sense that she will talk to me after 'Fela!' another explosive work, in this case, theater, that has not only informed us about this iconic African man's life, but in its telling, it has broken the fourth wall on how we all will view Broadway shows from here on out."

He added, "I think these kinds of programs are important. It's key that we explore the synergies of the arts and literature as it relates to humanity...the conversations are stimulating and inspiring for up-and-coming artists & writers who, during these economically challenging times, need to be encouraged.

McMillan will also sign copies of her latest New York Times best-selling book, 'Getting to Happy,' which is the sequel to her blockbuster novel turned feature film 'Waiting to Exhale,' at the nearby Serafina Restaurant in The Time Hotel.

The cost for this event, which includes a orchestra seat to the Dec.4 matinee show of 'Fela' and a signed copy of McMillan's 'Getting to Happy' is $85 with the promotional code: FEHAP1111.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.broadwayoffers.com, by calling Telecharge at 212.947.8844, or at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Box Office located at 230 W. 49th Street.