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