Crowns (Musical)

Cast

Mother Shaw

Lianne Williams

Mabel

Lauren Jackson

Velma

Carolyn Spencer

Wanda

Elaine Landrum

Jeanette

Keneisha Richards

Yolanda

Brittany Eubanks

Man

Tyrone Eaves/Ben White

Synopsis

Winner of the Helen Hayes Awards for Best Production and Best Musical, “Crowns” is a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of history and identity as seen through the eyes of Yolanda, a young African-American woman who has been sent South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in a northern city. As strong women tell the stories of their lives through stories of their hats, Yolanda witnesses a tradition tracing back to African rituals and slavery and forward to the New Testament and contemporary fashion. Gospel music and dance underscore and support the narratives.

Season

2021/2022

President

Andy Leahy

Director

Mary Lee Hoganson

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Cordaro Johnson

Musical Director

Charles Hayes

ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Elliott Roland Bell

Choreographer

Joshua Miller - original choreography

Tina Zagone - choreography 2022

SCENIC DESIGN

Russ Hoganson

LIGHTING Design

Jennifer Larkin

Sound Design

Stephen Lopez

LEAD CONSTRUCTION

Chuck Kaffka

COSTUMES/Hat designs

Wayne (Skipp) Poulton,

COSTUME ASSISTANT

Suzanne Ashlock

MAKEUP AND HAIR

Kyna Simpson

Stage Manager

MJ Renzi

Paint Chair

Barbara Whitney

Props and Decor

Mary Ellen Fawk

Production Manager

Rose Crockett

Special Projects

Jeff Ashlock

Book

Adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry