BET had a special sneak preview of the first episode of “The New Edition Story” in Atlanta. It was hosted by the young and old New Edition casts and Ronnie Devoe. The casts were joined by their family members and v103 Atlanta radio contest winners. After v103 Atlanta’s midday host Ramona Debreaux introduced the movie, the good times, the story of manager Brooke Payne and the creation of New Edition from humble beginnings in Boston began.
The episode started from the very beginning, introducing us to each member of New Edition and how their project environment, childhood friends and community bond helped them form the ensemble that we still know today as New Edition. Unlike most biopics, there was original singing and no soundtracks of the real artists’ voices. It’s amazing to know these kids learned New Edition’s dance moves in less than four weeks of production.
After the screening, there was a question and answer discussion led by Ronnie Devoe and moderated by Ramona Debreaux. Devoe admitted he shed a few tears during the episode while reflecting on the past during the episode. He seemed extremely proud of the talented cast.
The older cast presents Luke James as Johnny Gill, Woody McClain as Bobby Brown, Elijah Kelley as Rickey Bell, Bryshere Y Grey as Mike Bivins, Algee Smith as Ralph Tresvant and Keith Powers as Ronnie Devoe. Mike Bivins and his wife wanted Bryshere Y Gray to play Mike Bivins and Woody McClain was recommended by Fatima Robinson.
The young New Edition cast includes Caleb McLaughlin playing young Rickey Bell, Dante Hoagland playing young Mike Bivins, Jahi Winston playing young Ralph Tresvant, Myles Truitt playing young Ronnie Devoe, and Tyler Williams as a young Bobby Brown. Standing out so far after viewing the littles (New Edition) is the undeniable voice of Jahi Winston. I can’t wait to ask Ralph Tresvant the feeling he got when he first heard the voice of this rising young superstar. Tyler Williams as little Bobby Brown looks more like Bobby than his own biological son, and has the dance moves and attitude that mimics Bobby senior. Kudos to the casting department on the overall casting.
Check out the photo gallery and see who showed up to the Atlanta movie screening, after the break.
