For the viewers who tune in tomorrow for the premiere of the film “Love Me or Leave Me,” the production is dynamic, dramatic and entertaining. But for the film’s stars the message is simple.
“Life is short,” said music and stage star Shirley Murdock. “We have to take the time out to love the people in our lives and appreciate the people that have god has blessed us in our lives. And you must forgive – to forgive them you release yourself from the power that that situation had over you. ”
In “Love Me or Leave Me” Murdock is left to raise her fraternal twin grandchildren when they are abandoned by their teen mother.
The mother returns ready to hop back into their lives and pick up where she left off – but it’s not that simple. All of the issues and baggage that come with a complication situation are touched upon.
“It’s important to reflect the realness of everyday struggles,” Murdock said. “And the inspiration that comes with it.”
And so after participating in a successful stage production, Murdock was eager to join the cast for an adaptation for television of John Ruffin’s acclaimed play. “GMC is a network where the programming is for family and I love the diversity,” Murdock said. “They have music from Kirk Franklin to Amy Grant. And they also show that difficulty in families don’t really know a color. By being able to see it from another group we can gain inspiration, knowledge wisdom and answers – and it opens us up for understanding.”
Ruffin also relishes in the opportunity to present his production on the network.
“The Gospel theatre genre of entertainment is one that has inspired people for decades and consistently brings uplifting messages through real life portrayals,” Ruffin said. “Elevating its platform through GMC and making it accessible to people everywhere, to live and share their stories and to know the y are not alone in their struggles and victories, is a dream come true.”
As eager Ruffin is to be a part of GMC’s programming, “Love Me or Leave Me” co-star Clifton Powell is equally excited to continue his professional
“I just really enjoy John Ruffin as a writer,” Powell said. “This story has a lot of parallels to my life and others. And I just hope that they have as much fun watching it as we had shooting.”
The film also stars Angela Evans, Elise Neal, Terri J. Vaughn, Christian Keyes, Terrell Carter and Carl Anthony Payne.
Powell offers comic relief in the show as he attempts to forge a romantic relationship with Murdock’s character.
“I had a ball,” Powell said. “I was able to act goofy as this guy made a fool out of himself because he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
While he spoke of the lighter side of his contribution, his ultimate hope is that the message provided through “Love Me or Leave Me” – one that he believes is an essential for happiness – will resonate with viewers.
“This movie illustrates the power of forgiveness and the power of learning to let things go,” Powell said. “One of the hardest things to do is not harbor on the past and know that God is clearing your way. But it’s all God’s way of ridding your life of the negative so you can move towards the positive. Sometimes having a loss is a gain. If you be still you’ll get the message.”
“What I’m most pleased about is I get to share this good news,” Murdock said. “Most people hear the word gospel and they think it’s going to be preachy. But gospel simply means good news – and everybody needs some good news in their lives. Being a part of this production gives me the opportunity to share some good news with a diverse audience.”
Love me or Leave men will debut on the Gospel Music Channel on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. CST. For more information or channel listings, visit http://www.watchgmctv.com.
