BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

There comes a time when a person chooses to step beyond their public image and reveal the raw, unfiltered story behind the headlines. This is exactly what DeVon Franklin is doing in his powerful one-man show, Be True: My Journey from Breakdown to Breakthrough. Known as a producer, author, and preacher, Franklin is shedding the layers of persona to expose the real struggles and triumphs that have shaped his life.

The performance unfolds like a deeply personal narrative, guiding the audience through moments of heartbreak, doubt, and ultimately, restoration. Franklin’s motivation to create this show came from a unique opportunity presented by Audible, allowing him to bring his story to life in a way he never had before. Rather than hiding behind polished public appearances, he embraces vulnerability and transparency, offering a glimpse into his authentic self.

Franklin explains that this show isn’t about the public figure many recognize, but about the man behind the scenes—complete with his fears, failures, and faith. It’s a candid walk through his emotional highs and lows, from the depths of despair to the hope found in breakthroughs. His journey underscores a profound truth: sometimes, real growth emerges only after a breakdown.

One of the most difficult chapters Franklin revisits is his very public divorce, a pain he admits still stings. Yet, through revisiting that wound on stage, he aims to turn personal suffering into a message of healing and hope. Many who watch are likely to identify with the struggle of suffering in silence, and Franklin hopes his openness will encourage others to confront their own pain rather than bury it.

What sets this show apart is its raw emotional honesty. Instead of uplifting through cinematic stories or sermons, Franklin’s performance is a direct conversation—an invitation to witness the healing process in real time. His narrative touches on faith’s role not as a shield against pain, but as a source of strength to face it head-on.

The theatrical experience becomes a mirror for the audience, reflecting the universal struggles of hardship, loss, and perseverance. Franklin hopes viewers walk away inspired to be true to their own journeys, acknowledging both the broken and the victorious parts of life.

Performed at Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre in New York, the show promises an intimate setting where Franklin’s words resonate deeply. It’s a step beyond the roles he’s played on screen and the books he’s authored; here, the spotlight shines on the man’s heart and story.

Be True: My Journey from Breakdown to Breakthrough invites all who attend to reflect on the power of vulnerability and the courage it takes to share one’s truth. In doing so, Franklin not only shares his story but also offers a beacon of hope for anyone navigating their own path through pain toward healing.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from DeVon Franklin