Entertainment
Layla Carey-Johnson: Returning to the Spotlight
Love Brought Me Back is a captivating stage play that weaves together the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth through an innovative narrative structure. The production features a unique setup with simultaneous bachelorette and bachelor parties, creating a dynamic interplay between scenes that keeps the audience engaged and entertained.

At the heart of this production is Layla Carey-Johnson, who brings depth and authenticity to her role as Destiny. In her own words, Layla shares her motivation for taking on this role:
“I chose to accept the role of Destiny in the stage play ‘Love Brought Me Back’ because I wanted to bring to life the character that I played as a 7-year-old in the movie ‘Beyond the Vows’ that the stage play is based on. I also love being on the stage, it challenges me because unlike movies we can’t stop and start over if we mess up. From my first movie with Wisdom Productions under the Direction of Joan Montreuil, I have always enjoyed working with her and her cast and crew, they are always so nice and talented. I look forward to any other products with them.”
Layla’s journey with this character, from childhood to the present, adds a unique layer of depth to the production. Her enthusiasm for live theater shines through as she embraces the challenges of stage acting, demonstrating her growth as an artist and her commitment to delivering authentic performances.
The play features a talented ensemble cast, each bringing their unique energy to the production. Deloris Hervey, who plays the First Lady, expresses excitement about the play’s structure, noting, “I like the back and forth. It’s like two scenes in one.” She adds, “The way it’s set up is pretty cool because it’s a bachelorette party and a bachelor party going on at the same time. And so I think that that’s, to me, I think that’s the most funnest scene.”
This innovative approach to storytelling creates a vibrant atmosphere that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The interplay between the bachelor and bachelorette parties adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the narrative. As Hervey mentions, “That sounds fun and crazy all at the same time.”
However, the production isn’t all about high energy and laughter. The cast and crew have worked hard to strike a balance between the lighthearted moments and the more profound themes of the play. As one cast member notes, “We do, we do, we tone it down a little bit,” indicating that there are moments of reflection and emotional depth amidst the celebrations.
The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, with each actor eagerly anticipating their scenes and supporting one another. This camaraderie translates into powerful on-stage performances, bringing the characters and their relationships to life in a way that resonates with audiences.
Layla’s return to the character of Destiny, now on stage, symbolizes the play’s themes of growth, reflection, and the cyclical nature of love and relationships. Her performance promises to be a highlight of the production, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between the original film and this new stage adaptation.
Love Brought Me Back is not just entertainment; it’s a heartfelt journey that invites the audience to reflect on their own experiences with love, friendship, and personal growth. Through the talented cast’s performances and the innovative storytelling approach, the play offers a unique and memorable theatrical experience that resonates long after the curtain falls.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary production. Love Brought Me Back will be performed on Saturday, January 11 at 5:00 PM. Tickets are available now, with a special offer of two tickets for $35 using the code Love2025. This is your opportunity to witness Layla Carey-Johnson’s touching portrayal of Destiny and experience the magic of live theater at its finest. Join us for an evening of laughter, tears, and profound insights into the human heart.
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