Article: The mighty `Madea' visits Minneapolis; As in other cities, Tyler Perry's mostly black fans are flocking to his show, mixing soul concert, sass, song, sermon and sweet inspiration.(NEWS)

Byline: Rohan Preston; Staff Writer

If you haven't seen a 6-foot-5, pistol-packing, Bible-toting black grandmother lately, then you haven't seen Tyler Perry. Where some might expect a man with his build to suit up for the NBA, Perry, 36, dons drag and plays Madea, an outrageous comic creation he's mined for comedy, common-sense morality and gobs of money. His 10 plays have grossed more than $100 million, according to Essence magazine. He has been on "Oprah," whom he credits as an inspiration. Now he is making his Minneapolis debut in "Madea Goes to Jail," which opened to whoops and hollers Thursday at the Orpheum Theatre. The Tyler Perry phenomenon, which began ...

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