Dramatics Miniseries

The story begins in Detroit during the spring of 1964. (Our day will come by Ruby & the Romantics is blasting out of the radio) Opening scene: 13 year old Ronald Banks is spending an ernormous amount of time in the bathroom. His sister Judy needs to use the bathroom.

Ron (narrating): I just made 13 but always would hang out with cats older than me. Most of my friends were 16 & 17 years old. I sang in a group called the Temptones. We performed on a talent show. Most of the group members attended Pershing High school, but I was still in Jr. high. I was in the 7th grade at Cleveland Jr. High. We seemed to be in a different group every week. I started a group and after a couple of days members would quit. Despite the fact that I was the youngest,the group would look to me for leadership. I was influenced by Curtis Mayfield and Eddie Kendricks.

Ron narrating: We harmonized really well together so this became the beginning of our group. A 6 man group was odd but I liked all the guys and didn't have the heart to let anyone go, so we kept it at 6. We called ourselves the Sensations. We had 2 bass singers in the group. Then, Robert "Duke"Ellington, bass, dropped out of the group to continue his studies. Now, we had a quintet which was more conventional. Its now 1965.

Ron: Am I dreaming or what? (Narrating:)The group auditioned & were signed the next day. "Inky Dinky Wang Dan Doo"was the best song from the sessions but didn't really establish us as a force in the business.

(IT'S now 1967,the Dramatics sign with SPORT RECORDS and score a moderate hit with "All because of you". Linda & Ron became romantically involved. "All Because Of You" fills the air as Ron and Linda are shown holding hands at the movies, hugging and kissing on Ron's couch, and hanging out together. But the relationship cooled after Ron caught her with lead singer Larry Reed in a deep passionate kiss.)

Ron (narrating): We immediately went into the studio and recorded "Whatcha see is whatcha get","In the Rain", "Fall in love,lady love", and "Thankful for your love". We released our 1st LP and the DJ's jumped on it.

(1971.....After a few weeks......"Whatcha see....hit on both the R&B and Pop chart top 10. It became a gold record. The Dramatics became the talk of the town in every city.) Elbert: Hey Ron, what's happening?

Ron: I needed to hear that. (narrating:) Willie was the only one of us that ever played the Apollo before. He sang with the Capitols (Cool Jerk) before coming to us. We knocked the crowd out at the Apollo and did both American Bandstand & Soul Train on back to back Saturdays. WeeGee was the primary lead singer on most of our songs. His personality and voice blended well with us. He didn't have the ego our former lead singer Larry Reed had.

WeeGee: Everybody needs to know who I am. I'm William Howard. How about this, The Dramatics featuring William Howard or WeeGee & the Dramatics. I'll let you decide which name to put on the new LP.

(It's 7:00 PM. Ron Banks, Larry Demps, Willie Ford, and Elbert Wilkins are in the dressing room at the Apollo, getting ready to go onstage for a concert. William Wee Gee Howard has not yet shown up. Ron, who is on crutches, is starting to get annoyed.)

LJ: I can't believe I'm standing here talking to one of the Dramatics! I just love your songs," Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get", "In the Rain", and "Gimme Some of that Good Soul Music". I just bought your "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" album, and every time I play it, I can't resist singing along.

Ron: Guys, I want you to meet L.J. Reynolds, Wee Gee's substitute for the night. L.J., this is Larry Demps, whom we call Squirrel for two or more reasons and Elbert Wilkins. Squirrel: LJ, here are the songs we will be singing tonight. (He hands LJ a sheet.)

(Despite the fact that Ron is on crutches, L.J. didn't have time to rehearse the songs, and Elbert is a little upset about Wee Gee's absence, the Dramatics do a wonderful job that night, opening with "Get Up And Get Down". The next day, the Dramatics show up at Stax to record a new song, "Hey You! Get Off My Mountain". This time, Wee Gee shows up.)

Wee Gee: You guys should be glad I am well and here! So, forget about last night, and let's go record, allright? Besides, I have the right to miss performances, rehearsals, and recording sessions when I feel the need to.

Tony: Ok, here's the setup for the song. Wee Gee opens up, singing "hey you! get off my mountain! Hey you! Get off my cloud! Hey you! Get off my mountain! You're just trying to..." then Ron starts of with "...bring me down." We're going to have Ron sing all the verses, and Wee Gee sing the chorus.

Tony: Calm down Wee, I'm letting Ron lead this one song, since he doesn't get much of a chance to lead. You've been sick, so you need not strain your vocals at this session. But don't worry, I'm going to let you lead most of the songs on this album.

Willie: I don't know if he's been sick, but now I'm sick. Sick of his attitude. (The guys record "Hey You! Get Off My Mountain! All throughout the recording session, Wee Gee is struggling to outsing Ron, and Ron is struggling to impede Wee Gee from getting what he wants.)

Ron: We don't have any time! (Dials LJ on a phone in the dressing room. LJ answers.) Ron: Hello....L.J.? We are about to go on Soul Train, but once again, Wee Gee is missing. Can you come down here? We need you to substitute for him again.

Ron (narrating): We recorded tons more songs for our new album, entitled "The Devil Is Dope", including a title song, "Toast To The Fool", "You Could Become The Very Heart Of Me", and the sensual "1,000 Kisses Ago", a song lead by me, which Wee Gee wasn't too happy about. As we were nearing completion of our album, Don Davis called us into his office for som serious news.

Don: Guys, I'm afraid I have some bad news for you. You see, there have been some legal problems, and the album "The Devil Is Dope" will not be able to be released on the date we had planned to release it. There will also be some changes made.

Don: The name of the album, for one thing. The album will be reentitled "A Dramatic Experience", and I am afraid we will have to drop one the songs that we have planned to put on the album. I'm sorry to say, "Toast To The Fool" is the song we can't release. Elbert: "Toast To The Fool" is one of our finest works of art! Why can't we drop another song?

Ron: I'd really appreciate it if you'd at least have the decency to finish this album. Elbert: How come you are quitting? I mean, we're successful and everything, you've never been denied anything in the group...I just don't understand!

Ron (narrating): L.J. was a welcome addition to the group. At our first concert with L.J., we thought the audience wouldn't accept the fact that we had a new member. But we were wrong. The audience went WILD. We sang "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" and "Toast To the Fool". L.J.'s version of "Toast To The Fool" was outstanding. About a week later, we went into the studio to finish the new album. (Tony Hester is in the studio, waiting for the Dramatics.)

Ron: (reading aloud): I have decided to leave the group. It's not that I don't like singing anymore, because I do. But I don't feel happy in the group any longer. Wee Gee is my best friend, and I feel that I need to support him, since he is on his own now. Elbert V. Wilkins.

Don: No, no problem at all, it's just that there's a guy here who wants to speak to you all. He says Elbert sent him. Personally, I think he's a pretty good singer. I'm thinking about signing him to the Stax/Volt label.

Lenny: It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I already know Squirrel though. We went to high school together. And Elbert. He's a good friend of mine, and he sent me here today. He said that he was leaving the group. I was at your concert last week. It was great!

Lenny: One of my favorite Dramatics songs is the one that goes like this..."and you laugh in my face, make me feel like a clown. Baby I think I better put you in your place, that kind of action I don't need....that kind of heartache I can't use...that kind of loving I can do without. So go and play your games with someone new!"

Ron (narrates as screen shots of the Dramatics recording fill the screen): We recorded "Fell For You", then a psychedelic-inspired song called "Jim! What's Wrong With Him?" After recording those two songs, we decided that Lenny was a perfect fit in the group. He became the newest Dramatic.

His voice blended in perfectly, and we recorded more songs with this new lineup. We recorded a new version of "Toast to the Fool","You Could Become The Very Heart of Me", and a couple of new songs, like "Beautiful People". We also did a new version of "1,000 Kisses Ago" and renamed it "Now You Got Me Loving You". Our album, Dramatic Experience, was finally ready for release. (Promotional ads for the new album fill the screen) But there was still one problem...

The problem was, what were we going to do with the two songs, "Hey You!" and "The Devil Is Dope"? Those two songs had been released with Wee Gee's voice, and the fans were expecting them to be on the album. So that's exactly what we did. Those two songs were released on our new album. "Dramatic Experience" did not have any pictures of us since there were 2 lineups on the album. Instead, Tony Hester chose to put some whacked-out cover art with beasts, demons, and skulls on our album. None of us particularly cared for it, but we couldn't argue with Stax.

Despite the warped looking cover art, "Dramatic Experience" was a guaranteed smash. It sold like crazy. We were booked for hundreds of concerts all over the U.S. (The Dramatics are shown performing.) Our fans eventually caught on to the fact that Wee Gee and Elbert were no longer a part of the group. But I can't say they were too disappointed.

(The scenes switch to Wee Gee and Elbert, in Wee Gee's living room. "Keep On Truckin'" by Eddie Kendricks blasts out from the radio. Elbert turns the dial on the radio, and the next radio station plays "Fell For You")

Wee Gee: I didn't even think they'd replace me, but for once in my life, I was wrong. Elbert: We've got to do something. We can't just sit here and watch them rise to the top of the charts.

(Scene switches back to the real Dramatics, getting ready to go on stage for a concert). L.J.: Guys, look at this flyer. It says the opening act for this concert is the Dramatics featuring Wee Gee Howard?

Elbert: I was in this group since the beginning, and was there when we picked this name. So we have a right to call ourselves the Dramatics, and are not giving up the name. Squirrel: In that case, we will see you in court!

(Scene switches to a courtroom. On one side, we have Ron, Willie, and their lawyer. The other Dramatics are sitting behind them. On the opposite side, we have Wee Gee and Elbert, and their lawyer. The judge is at her stand, and court is about to begin. The courtroom is buzzing with excitement. The judge pounds her gavel.)

Judge: Allright, let's get on with business. This case is Ronald D. Banks vs. William F. Howard II. The issue seems to be that William and Elbert Wilkins left the group, the Dramatics, in which Ronald belongs to. Elbert and William have established their own group, also called the Dramatics. It seems that Mr. Banks refuses to let Howard and Wilkins use the name Dramatics, since he claims to be the founder of the group. However, Mr. Wilkins insists that he was there since the group started, and helped pick the name. So the guys are here today, fighting for the name of the group.

Ron's lawyer: Elbert Vernell Wilkins and William Franklin Howard have illegally named themselves the Dramatics, when Ronald Banks, Willie Ford, Larry Reynolds, Leonard Mayes, and Larry Demps are recording under the name "Dramatics". William Howard and Elbert Wilkins left the group, so therefore, they do not have the right to call themselves the Dramatics.

RON NARRATING: Ron Banks and the Dramatics. That's what name we became to be known as, while Wee Gee's group continued to perform under the name "the Dramatics". (Screen switches to a shot of the Dramatics performing on stage.) It took a few years to actually settle the case in court. Needless to say, the name change didn't alter our success. But sometime during 1974, an awful thing happened. The Stax label folded, and we had to go in search for another label. We hooked up with ABC right in time for our collaboration with the Dells. We cut two songs with the Dells, "I'm In Love"and "Love Is Missing From Our Lives." ("I'm In Love" plays. During the middle of the song, the scene switches to the guys at Ron's house. It's now 1976. The Drams are sitting at the table, eating and talking happily.)

Ron: What's next, guys? Diamond rings and wedding plans? A new car? A new house? (The phone rings.)Excuse me, I'll get that! (Ron goes into the living room to answer the phone. The others continue talking excitedly.)

Lenny: You won't believe what happened, guys. Yesterday, I went to the grocery store to get some potato chips, and all of a sudden, while I was in the chip aisle, here comes this hoarde of girls, screaming `Lenny! Lenny!' I turn around, and one of the girls practically shouts, `See, I TOLD you it was Lenny Mayes from the Dramatics!' It's unbelievable, the impact that we have made on people.

Ron: Elbert Wilkins is in the hospital, having surgery. According to Wee Gee, Elbert's back went out during one of their tours. Shortly after that, he was admitted into the hospital to have surgery. Just yesterday, he told Wee Gee that he isn't going to perform anymore. And without Elbert, the fake Dramatics don't exist. He's dissolving the group and going solo. So, from this day forth, we are no longer Ron Banks and the Dramatics. We are the Dramatics, the ONLY Dramatics.

Ron: A toast to the current Dramatics, who will always be together. Let's not let what happened to the Temptations, to the Beatles, and to all the other big-name groups happen to us. (They clink their glasses together.)

("Richest Man Alive" plays in the background, while there are pictures of the Dramatics enjoying success. Squirrel and his girlfriend at a fancy dinner; L.J. and his parents and sisters hanging out at the pool in their backyard; Lenny and Ron going for rides in Lenny's new car, and Willie trying on suits and top hats at an expensive clothing store. The Dramatics are just loving their career and the luxurious life that comes with it. "Richest Man" fades into the background…and wedding bells sound. The front of a fancy chapel is shown, then the camera rolls into the inside of the chapel. Squirrel and his soon-to-be-wife are at the altar. Squirrel's parents and sister are seated in the front pew. Willie, Ron, L.J., Lenny, Elbert, and Wee Gee are in the second pew, behind Squirrel's family.)

Minister: We are gathered here today in holy matrimony, to join two souls as they become one. Today, Larry Demps and Melanie Mills have come before God to make a commitment to each other, a bond that cannot be broken. Larry, do you take Melanie to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for rich or for poor, forever and ever?

Minister: By Mr. And Mrs. Demps' request, I would like to invite a group of young men up to the altar to sing for the newlyweds. These talented young men belong to a super recording group who have sold millions of records. Mr. Demps knows them personally, for he sings with them. Their names are Ron Banks, Lenny Mayes, Willie Ford, and L.J. Reynolds, but most people know them as…the Dramatics! They are going to sing a song from one of their previous albums, "I Dedicate My Life To You". (The four Drams take stage and start singing "I Dedicate My Life To You", a beautiful ballad. Wee Gee and Elbert watch from their seats, a sour look on their faces.)

(Wee Gee gets out of his seat and whispers something to the minister. The minister nods, and Wee Gee motions to Elbert, who in turn, rises from his pew. They make their way slowly and smoothly to the side of the stage. L.J. is just now singing "For you I laugh, and for you I cry." Before he can say the next line, Wee Gee subtly grabs the microphone out of L.J.s hand and sings, "Whooooa whoooooa….woo woo wah woo….Thank you baby…I just wanna take a little time out tooooo…thank you baby….thank you…..for your lo-ove." L.J. has this bewildered look on his face, just standing there as Wee Gee sings. Elbert is sandwiched between the other guys, harmonizing. Suddenly, L.J. grabs Wee Gee's microphone tightly, and belts out "But whiiiiiile I think you…I think the Lord above. For smiling down on me…)

Wee Gee: (singing, but it seems as if he is secretly shouting at L.J. to let go of the microphone.) If you didn't hear me the first time I'm gonna say it again! Well, well, thank you baby…thank you…for your love.

Wee Gee: Yeah, but that's how I wanted it. Impromptu. (He pauses.) Ron, I know we've had our differences, but I want you to know that I have no hard feelings for you. I was the one who left the group to start my own solo career. There's no reason why I should be bitter with you.

Ron (narrates as the song "Just Shopping, Not Buying Anything plays in the background): Although Wee Gee never did receive the promotion he deserved, the Dramatics became known as an R&B vocal group who's vocal prowess was only comparable to that of the Temptations. We were going strong, and we weren't slowing down. (Dramatics recording, performing, writing, goofing off, and signing autographs fill the screen as Ron narrates.) L.J. and I were even starting to write and produce our own songs. In fact, L.J., Willie, Lenny, Squirrel, and I were so close, that we were almost one person. It was too good to be true.

(Ron is driving his car along the road. The Drams are supposed to be playing at the Greek theater in California. He parks his car in the parking lot, and stops to sign a few autographs for screaming, starstruck fans. He then greets the security guard standing at the back door to the dressing room, who opens the door for him, and goes inside, to get ready for the show. Willie is the only one who is there. But he is not wearing his uniform. Instead, he is wearing a camel-colored leather jacket and brown bell-bottoms. In other words, Willie is not dressed for the show.)

Willie: It's not only Squirrel. Ron, let me tell you, I stopped by L.J.'s house before coming here. He's sick, man. Very sick. He's too sick to even get out of bed, and he hasn't eaten a thing all day. The only time he has gotten out of bed all day was to go downstairs and answer the door when I came by. Said it made him dizzy. He's feeling terrible about missing the concert. It was all he could talk about.

Willie: As far as I know, Lenny's still in Detroit. He was supposed to catch a plane from Detroit to California, but it looks as if…(He shrugs his shoulders. The radio, which was playing "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer, all the while that Ron and Willie were talking, now switches to news.)

Ron (narrating): This was the first time that something like this had happened. The guys and I had a recording session for our new album, 10 1/2 a week later. This time, there was 100 % attendance.

Squirrel: He was the most adorable baby in the hospital. Healthy and beautiful. I'm a father! The moment I saw my son marked a turning point in my life. I feel like a brand new person. More responsible.

Squirrel: Thanks, Ron. Sorry about the concert at the Greek Theatre last week. I told Willie that if I could be two places at the same time, I would have done that show. But Melanie really needed me there. Family comes first.

L.J.: Much better, thanks. I had the worst case of the flu. One minute I was fine, then the next, I wake up sick. I couldn't even bring myself to punch out your phone number on the telephone dialpad.

Lenny: Hours. I had no idea that Squirrel and L.J. were missing in action. All I could think about was the four of you doing the show, without me. It sure was some consolation to find out that the show was cancelled.

L.J. (with that big smile of his): I like to think I am. I play a big part in the group. Not only am I a singer, but I am a producer, songwriter, and arranger. I have played the guitar and the drums on some of the Dramatics' recordings.

Ron (narrating): The year 1980 ended with a couple of very surprising and very emotional events. I'll never forget New Year's Eve 1980. The Dramatics were spending the holiday together, along with our families.

Squirrel: Listen up, guys. I have some news to share. (He puts his arm around his wife, who has their baby sitting in her lap.) My New Year's Resolution is to spend more time with my family. Ever since I got married and had a child, I've had a hard time keeping my priorities straight. Melanie is pregnant, which means I will be a father again. And I want both of my children to grow up with a father in the household. But you see, my career is very demanding. We're always on the road. You can't have it both ways. You can't be a singer and a family man. I have to give something up. And I hate to say it, but it has to be my career. I'm leaving the Dramatics.

Ron: You aren't listening. I was not going to say that. What I was going to say was, you missed one concert, then all of a sudden you started taking on one too many tasks, and now those tasks are more important to you! My question to you is this: What is the most important thing to you at this point?

Willie: As the oldest member of the group since Squirrel left, can I say something? (Gently) L.J., Ron isn't picking on you. It might seem that way sometimes since you are the youngest member of the Dramatics, but it isn't that way at all. Ron started this group, and throughout the years, he has maintained it. That's why we haven't ended up like so many other groups. And right now, Ron just wants to make sure that you are willing to be 100 % devoted to the group, and the group only.

L.J. (with a sigh): Well. I really want to be 100 % devoted to the group. But I've already started working on my solo album. That's the complicated part. I don't have time for both. But I don't want to give up the solo project, and I don't want to leave the Dramatics!

Ron (narrating): No one ever thought L.J. would ever leave the group. But after we finished cutting "It Ain't Raining", he was gone, reducing the Dramatics to a trio. None of us really wanted to replace L.J. We knew he would come back. But once the media got hold of the news, we got dozens of calls from young hopefuls who wanted to replace L.J. We held an audition, and I hate to say it, but none of the singers were right for the group.

(The announcer shouts "Please welcome the fantastic Dramatics!" The Drams take stage and start singing "Hey You! Get Off My Mountain" and "In The Rain". Bo leads both songs. The other Drams do not like his onstage singing style.)

Bo: You three haven't stopped talking about how great L.J. is since I joined this group! I thought you guys were gonna give me a chance, but naw, you just keep comparing me to him. Well, listen. I ain't L.J. and I don't wanna be! And if you are so in love with L.J. Reynolds, go find him! As for me, it don't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Dramatics are going through some personal problems right now. I don't wanna be caught up in all this. I'm outta here! (He walks away.)

( "Key to the world" starts playing. We see L.J. driving a silver car down the road. He stops at a record company and walks in, says something to the receptionist, and when she nods, he starts down the hall and walks into an office. A very important looking man is sitting behind the desk. Apparently, he is L.J.'s producer.)

L.J. (close to tears): Listen. I have been waiting long enough to get these songs released. Now you tell me I have to re-record them? First you tell me that I can't write and produce anything on my first album, now you tell me that you won't release my songs? What do you have against me?

Producer: I don't know what you did when you were with the Dramatics, but you're on your own now. And maybe your little Drammie boys spoiled you and took good care of you, but with me, it isn't going to work. I'm not Ron Banks, and all the begging and pleading in the world won't change my mind. Make better songs or find yourself another record company.

Ron (narrating): L.J.'s solo career wasn't going the way he had planned. But I can't say that the Dramatics were doing much better. We had found a new singer, Craig Jones, and we'd almost completed an album entitled "New Dimensions". But still, something was missing.

Lenny: Craig, I don't exactly agree with you. The fans just loved our 70s music. We can't take that away from them. The music is taking a new direction, but we can still keep a little bit of the old school inspiration.

Ron: Guys, guys, cool it! I think we should just agree to disagree. Here's a compromise, to finish off the album, we'll cut a few old school tracks, and leave the rest of the modernized tracks on the album.

(Ron, Willie, Lenny, and Craig are sitting together at a table, looking at "Billboard" and "Cash Box" magazines. They frantically scan the mags, but do not find their names in it. They are angry and frustrated.)

Ron: You guys, it's as if the Dramatics have lost their touch. Everything we release goes nowhere. I hate to say this, but if the people have lost interest in the Dramatics, then what's the point in making music anymore?

Craig: Maybe y'all are right. The Dramatics are old news, and the people are moving on. Lenny, Ron, Willie. It was nice knowing y'all. As for me, I guess I'll try a solo career. Peace. And take care. (Craig exits the room.)

Willie: I don't know what I'm going to do as far as a career goes, but I don't think a solo career is in the making for this man. Ron, may the Lord be with you. You have done a good job in keeping the group together, and it isn't your fault that the group fell apart. So I know that whatever you do, you will never fail. I'll miss you, but like Lenny said, if our careers aren't too demanding, I'll try to keep in touch. See you around, Ron.

Ron: See you, Willie. (Willie leaves, and Ron is standing alone in the room. He stares out the window as Craig's car disappears down the road, then Lenny's then Willie's. The song "In the Rain" plays as the credits roll.

Ron narrating: It is now 1986. All of us had gone our separate ways. Some pursued solo careers, and others did their own music projects. But there was one thing we all knew for sure, none of this went very far. I don't know whether it was the material, or the promotion. I'd rather think it was the latter cause the songs were great. And hey, I know it was certainly not the singing. (laughs) The idea of a Dramatics reunion had been playing around in my head for quite sometime. I decided that I would act. I guess I had to prove to myself that I still had it, and that there was still a market for the Dramatics. The first step was to get the guys together. That wouldn't be easy cause everyone was out doing his own thing. But I was never one to let obstacles get in my way. But to be honest with yah, had I known then what I know now, that reunion idea had may have stayed tucked away safely in my mind where it originated. I called all of the guys together: Lenny, Squirrel, Willie, and LJ, to run the idea by them.

Squirrel: It sounds good to me Ron. I mean, people still love us. I think it would work. And I will support you guys, but I am not able to do a tour right now. My teaching career doesn't allow me to tour.

Ron narrating: Wee Gee agreed to come back to the group. Our lineup included LJ Reynolds, Lenny Mayes, WeeGee Howard, Willie Ford, and me, Ron Banks. Things started pretty smoothly at first with L.J. and Wee Gee sharing the leads. But somewhere along the line, things began to go downhill.

Ron: Here's the setup for the new album, y'all. It's gonna be called "Somewhere In Time (A Dramatic Reunion). I get to lead five songs, Lenny --four, Willie--two, Wee Gee---four, and L.J.---five.

Wee Gee: You ain't as half as good as I am. Your songs didn't sell no two million copies, like mine. Hell, everyone who's anyone knows Wee Gee Howard. I'm right up there with the big wigs of music, like David Ruffin.

L.J.: (very innocently) I don't know Ron. He must be back up to his old tricks again. Willie: The last time I saw him was about an hour ago. He seemed ready to go to me. Let me just go and check the dressing room. Maybe he is in there.

Ron narrating: We did a reunion album in 1986 for Fantasy Records. The album was entitled SOMEWHERE IN TIME(A DRAMATIC REUNION). There were some very good songs on it, and it did fair. ONE LOVE AGO, a song that Wee Gee and I lead, was the best song on the album, but WHEN LOVE IS OVER wasn't very far behind. I just knew that with L.J. and Wee Gee sharing the leads, nothing could go wrong. But I guess I was mistaken.

(The Drams are onstage, singing "I Can't Get Over You". All of a sudden, L.J.'s microphone stops working, mid-song. At that exact moment, Wee Gee steps in where L.J. left off. The other Drams are confused, but they continue singing the harmonies anyway. Now the screen switches to the Drams backstage, getting dressed for a show. Lenny and Willie are already dressed. Ron is putting on his shirt, L.J. is cleaning his contacts, and Wee Gee is combing his hair.)

(At that moment, L.J. squirts his bottle of contact cleaner at Wee Gee, who is leaned up against the sink and not paying attention. The liquid hits Wee Gee directly on his tuxedo shirt, and makes a nasty wet spot.)

Wee Gee: Shoot! This theater sure does have bad plumming. And naw, I ain't gonna make a fool outta myself and go up onstage like this. I'm William Wee Gee Howard, y'all. I ain't no third-rate singer. I'm gonna change.

L.J.: I can't find my contacts! Come on, one of you HAD to have seen them. (Shoots a look at Wee Gee.) Wee Gee, tell me you've seen them. They were sitting on the dressing table right next to your stage outfit.

(The Dramatics start to search the room, then they hear the Dramatic announcer call their name. Four of the Dramatics, minus L.J., rush out onstage. Wee Gee starts singing an L.J. lead, "Stop Your Weeping". Somewhere in the middle of the song, L.J. appears onstage, grabs his mic, and interrupts Wee Gee, finishing off the song like only he can. The audience thinks they planned it and cheers WILDLY. After the show, L.J. confronts Wee Gee.)

Ron: And we ain't gonna put up with anymore of it. The next person that pulls some kind of trick on the other one, so he can get all of the leads is outta here. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I hope you guys are listening to me.

Ron narrating: Things went smoothly for awhile. LJ and WeeGee were behaving, but you could tell that they didn't like it. It is now 1989, and our reunion has lasted for 3 years. We had initially planned an 18-month reunion, but seeing how much our fans loved us and wanted us to stay together, aside from the fact the the Dramatics still had that magic touch, we decided to stay together. Everything seemed to be back the way it used to be. Until one day. (The Drams are about to go onstage for a show.)

Wee Gee: Look Ron, I didn't do anything. But if you don't believe that, then I guess it is time that I go. I have had it up to here anyway with all this stuff. And I can't take L.J. another minute. Y'all don't have to fire me. I quit!!! (he storms out, but not before he takes a swing at L.J.)

L.J.: Because I can't stand him! And he can't stand me either! He is the most impossible person to work with, and he wants to ruin my career! He's a mean old, spotlight hogging, prank pulling fool and I ain't gonna toast to that fool, NEVER!

Ron: Shut up! L.J., just shut up! Listen to yourself. You are thirty-six years old, but you are talking just like an immature little kid! And what you did today, I just can't believe you would pull something like this!

Ron (narrating as the five Dramatics perform together onstage): I can't say that things were too great between L.J. and Wee Gee, in fact, there was still quite a lot of friction. But those two sure did put on a good act .

(It's early in the morning. The Dramatics are all in a shared hotel suite, a suite which has five beds. Everyone is asleep except for Wee Gee. He is sitting on his bed writing a note. As soon as he finishes writing it, he caps his pen, lies the note on his made bed, puts on his jacket and quietly leaves the hotel room. A moment later, Ron stirs in bed. He opens his eyes and looks around the room. He sees three sleeping Drams and smiles to himself. Then, the one empty bed catches his eye. He sits up in bed to get a closer look, and sees that the bed is made and that there is a piece of paper on top of it. He gets out of bed, and picks the piece of paper off of Wee Gee's bed and reads it outloud.)

Ron: Dear Dramatics. This reunion has been fun, but it's time for me to move on. Not only that, but I am finding it very difficult to work with L.J. It's gotten to the point where there is so much tension between us, that it makes being in the Dramatics unpleasant. I'm going to try something different for a change. Good luck, Weegee. (Ron jumps out of bed and starts shaking the other guys, one by one.) Lenny! Wake up! Hey! Willie! Get out of that bed! L.J.! This is important!

Ron narrating: Our fans are what have kept us together for so many years. We may have had a personnell change here and there, but we've never fired or foreced anoyone out of the group. Each of the guys have left on their own will. And now that the Dramatics are stronger than ever, we aren't afraid to try other projects on the side, because we know that nothing can break us apart. We've passed that stage.

Steve Barnett: That's committment, if ya ask me. In fact, I'm thinking of doing a different style of music, it ain't for sure yet, but as soon as my contract for this year is up, I'll look into it.

Awards Announcer: This year, it is my honor to introduce a new award. This award is called the "Most Exciting R&B Vocal Group" award. I am happy to announce, that the winners of this new award are a five-man group from Detroit, Michigan. They call themselves....the Dramatics! (Clapping and cheering is heard as the Dramatics take stage. The awards announcer shake hands with them and present them with their plaques.)

Awards Announcer: Now I know you guys as the Dramatics, but it would be nice if I could have you individual names.(He holds the mic out to each guy as they say their names: Ron Banks. Winzell Kelly. L.J. Reynolds. WILLIE FORD. Lenny Mayes.)

Ron: I would just like to give thanks unto the Almighty Lord, first of all, for making everything possible. To my mother, to my father, and my siblings, to my wife and kids, to all the producers and songwriters, and to the other Dramatics. Also, to our Dramatic brothers, William Wee gee Howard and Elbert Wilkins, may they rest in peace. Last but not least, to our fans. Because of you, fans, the Dramatics are here to stay! (The audience cheers wildly)

Lenny: We the Dramatics just want to say think you to everyone who has supported us. Willie: I would like to thank our musicians, the Dramatic Players, on behalf of myself and my soul brothers here.

L.J.: Thank you God, thank you Mother and Father, and thank you everyone who has encouraged us in our careers. And now that the preliminaries are over, we would like to sing a song.(Dramatic music to the song "Welcome Back Home" starts playing, then Ron takes center stage and leads.)

Ron (singing): We-e-lcome....back home...we-elcome...back home. We-el-come....back home. How long has it bee-een, since you've had a friend...who loves you. Who really, who really, who loves you. It's such a sad affair...when your lover doesn't ca-are...a-bout you. Not really, not really about you-ouuu. Wel-come......back....home. Where youuuuu....be-long. I'm the one that loves you (i'm your friend) who really, really loves you. (Who loves, who loves, you loves you.) Who loves you.

Squirrel (singing): Shake it, shake it shake it shake it, aw baby don't you fake it. Shake it shake it shake it baby, aw baby shake it well, shake it shake it on down, shake it down the the ground.

Lenny: Mr. Squirrel Demps, y'all! Give it up for Mr. Larry Squirrel Demps! (Lenny starts singing)I wanna go outside....in the rain....(shouts) THIS ONE'S FOR BROTHER WEE GEE (sings)...it may sound crazy....but i wanna go outside! In the rain....cos I-I-I-I....I think I'm gonna cry....and I-whoa-I-I-I.....don't want you to see my cry....naw baby! Once the rain starts fallin.....on my face....you won't see....a single trace....of the tears I'm cryin....because of you I'm cryin....don't want you to see me cry...let me go let me go outside.....aw me in the rain, you in the rain, you're 'bout to drive me insane....ooh baby!

L.J. (singing): Silly of meee...to think that I....could e-ver be your only guy...how I love you....silly ofme...to think that you....could ever really want me too...how I love you...You're just a love that's out to score....I know that I...should be looking for more....what could it be baby, what could it be? oh-oh-oh love, oh love, stop making a fool of me. Oh-oh-oh-love, oh love, stop making a fool of me.

Winzell (singing): All is not lost todaaaaay....your brown eyes....converted me....and LET me know....that you're the right giiiirl for me....You don't need two.....of the same love...I offer you. It would be a shaaame....to let someone else, take my place, take my, my place. Oh! You got me dreamin'....So stop this mistreatin me....I wanna stay, I wanna lay you, I wanna be yo man, be my girl.....be my girl!