Tears of joy: Play will become film

A play written by Youngs-town evangelist Earline Gilford-Weaver is on track to be turned into a film.

Weaver has signed a contract with Royal TV productions of California for her original play “Who Will Wipe My Tears Away?” The play debuted in August of 2011 at Powers Auditorium.

Weaver had sent a copy of her book of the same name to Prince Zaire Productions of Los Angeles before the play was staged. Afterward, she sent Zaire a tape of the play.

Weaver said Zaire then became interested in rewriting the script as a screenplay and turning it into a film. She and the cast will head to Los Angeles in September for taping. Zaire and Weaver are currently doing the rewrite.

When it’s complete, Zaire will shop it to cable networks and release it as a DVD.

“Who Will Wipe My Tears Away” is an autobiographical story of Weaver’s rough life, beginning with abuse as a child to her eventual turnaround and involvement in ministry.

“I just had to tell my story to tell other people who have been abused, been through foster homes, and made many wrong turns in life,” she said.

Weaver has been very excited since she got the news of the film prospects.

“I’m still like, ‘Lord, is this really happening?’” she said. “I’m also excited for my cast.”

Many members of the Powers Auditorium cast will make the trip to Los Angeles for the filming.

The full cast consisted of Angela Duckett (who plays Weaver), Lanesha Williams, Theresa Gilford, Richard A. Weaver, James Carter, Jennifer Johnson, Renee Newmen, Eboni Gordon, Tijah D Reynolds, Olivia Queener, Snetha Davis, Sam Jones and Floyd Eliis Jr.

Weaver is not even close to being done with stage work. She has written seven plays — some of which have been performed at community churches and other stages — and already has plans to perform another one, “Busted and Disgusted,” this summer at Powers Auditorium.