Carl Payne is directing the Je’Caryous Johnson play ‘Games Women Play’

Carl Payne is directing the Je’Caryous Johnson production “Games Women Play,” marking his directorial debut with the playwright. Although this is his first project in the role, Payne has a wealth of experience directing other works throughout his career. The play will run in Houston from March 14 to 16 at the Bayou Music Center. We caught up with the veteran actor in the Bayou City for press day, dressed in a light-colored denim jacket and pants, wearing red-rimmed glasses and a beanie to match. He is best known for his role as Cockroach (Walter), Theo’s best friend on “The Cosby Show,” and even more famously as Cole Brown on the ’90s hit sitcom “Martin,” among other notable works. Here is what he had to say about directing and working with the “Games Women Play” cast.

It’s the dream team

“I have been directing for years. Theater is my first love, but it is my directorial debut with him (Je’Caryous Johnson). It’s been an awesome journey. I love the actors I’m working with. It’s an amazing cast (I was about to curse). That’s how dope they are. It almost made me curse. It’s the dream team. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast, and I handpicked everybody personally for what I knew they could bring to this particular project and these particular roles. I’m super excited for everyone to experience this. This was actually a show that was revamped that was done twenty years ago, and everyone here is bringing new legs; I’m having fun being able to bridge the gap with media because we have an LED wall between media and the stage where we’re marrying the two, so you get a little of the film stuff it’s really exciting.”