Jubilant Musical Celebrates Community, Heritage and Dazzling Church-Going Hats (aka Crowns) Performances March 4-26
Regina Taylor
Milwaukee, Wis.— Skylight Music Theatre presents the Milwaukee premiere of the acclaimed gospel musical Crowns, March 4 through March 26 in the Cabot Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center (158 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, Wis.)
This jubilant musical fuses Gospel music and a rousing coming-of-age tale about an African-American teenager discovering her identity, her place in the world and her own culture.
When Brooklyn-born Yolanda is sent down South to live with her grandmother after her brother is shot, she finds strength in a community of wise women who share powerful stories and songs connected to their dazzling church-going hats (aka Crowns.)
Musical Based on Book of Portraits
Written by Regina Taylor and adapted from the book “Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats,” by photographer Michael Cunningham and journalist Craig Marberry, Crowns celebrates how culture is passed from one generation to the next, through community, ritual and sometimes, just the right hat.
“Crowns exuberantly affirms the healing power of storytelling, music and faith,” said Sheri Williams Pannell, stage director of Crowns. “The show focuses on the songs, values, and grace of the African-American church community, but its themes are universal.
When communities share their traditions and lend their support to children, then we are all strengthened and the community is richer for it.”
Crowns Cast in Moving Church Scene
Music Ranges from Gospel to Hip-Hop
The Crowns score features uplifting and soulful music including gospel, West African rhythms, spirituals, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. Music Director is Chaz’men Williams-Ali, who was last seen at Skylight performing the role of Cavaradossi in Tosca.
Every Hat Tells a Story
At the heart of Crowns are the magnificent hats that tell a story about each of the women who wear them. These women have what the character Velma in the show calls “Hattitude — something you possess in order to wear a hat well.”
Skylight Music Theatre Artistic Director Viswa Subbaraman said, “We are thrilled to premiere this joyous and uplifting musical in Milwaukee at Skylight. We expect to see wonderful ‘hattitude’ not only onstage, but in the audience as well.”
Theatre patrons are encouraged to wear their own “crowns” to performances, although before each show the audience will be asked to remove their hats to ensure that everyone can see.
Ensemble Cast
The cast features Milwaukee performers Cynthia Cobb (Mother Shaw), Una Van Duvall (Mabel), Raven Dockery (Velma), Tasha McCoy (Wanda), Malkia Stampley (Jeanette), Ashley Levells (Yolanda) and Ron Lee (Man).
The creative team also includes Ruthmarie Tenorio, scenic design; Barry W. Link, costume design; Holly Bloomquist, lighting design; Krislyn World, choreography; and Megan Henninger, sound design.
Performance Information
Performances of Crowns are Friday, March 4 through Saturday, March 26 in the Cabot Theatre, Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee.
Crowns is performed without intermission and runs approximately 90 minutes.
Special Events Post-Show Talkback.
“Diverse Women of Faith and their Head coverings,” will be held Sunday, March 13 following the 2 p.m. matinee. The panel presentation includes representatives from several faith groups. Organized by Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee, co-sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church, Milw.
Skylight Insights. Indepth discussions with directors and special guests take place one hour before every Wednesday and Sunday performance.
More events are scheduled. Visit www.skylightmusictheatre.org for information. Tickets & Box Office
Tickets are $25 – $65 (plus tax and fees) and can be purchased in person at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office or by calling (414) 291-7800, Monday – Saturday, from noon – 6 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance. Tickets may be purchased online at www.skylightmusictheatre.org.
Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Ticket discounts for students, seniors and on same-day “Rush” (30 minutes or less before curtain) are available. Call the Box Office (414) 291-7800 or email info@skylightmusictheatre.org