Crowns April 22, 2009

Hold onto your hat - one of Arena Stage's most popular musicals returns with a new production of 'Crowns.' See the crowns worn by the "hat queens" of the South - women whose storied lives are woven into the straw, silk, wool and lace that adorn their heads. "Inspiring gospel performances...broadly comic and mightily sung by a cast [who] make the most of each rising vocal line and glorious chorus." - The Washington Post "A musical feast ... jaw-droppingly beautiful and spirited gospel performances...Broadway worthy." -The Examiner "[They] knock the audience out of their seats...vocal pyrotechnics" - Stages Baltimore "Powerhouse voices bring down the house in blazing glory...Crowns is fast becoming the rite of passage production for all of Washington, D.C" - DC Theatre Scene Click here to listen to an interview with Zurin Villanueva and E. Faye Butler on DCtheatrescene.com > Tell your friends about Crowns > Sub/Text: View feature articles, research, audio/visual files and other items of interest for Crowns > more > More With soulful, spiritual and joyful music, they celebrate family and faith, love and loss, seeking (and finding) one's true identity. Based on the acclaimed book by photographer Michael Cunningham and journalist Craig Marberry, Crowns captures the thrill of self-expression with an intimate look at six women's lives. Winner of four Helen Hayes Awards, including Outstanding Musical, Crowns is a series of musical portraits that delighted Washington audiences. See it again--or for the first time--but be prepared for the "hattitudes" that will make you laugh and the music that will let your spirit soar. close > Cast Mary Millben (Wanda) Kara-Tameika Watkins (Jeanette) Marva Hicks (Velma) Zurin Villanueva (Yolanda) E. Faye Butler (Mother Shaw) NaTasha Yvette Williams (Mabel) Philip Boykin (Man) Musicians e'Marcus Harper (Music Director, Keyboards) Romero Wyatt (Percussionist) Swings Betty Carter (Mother Shaw, Velma, Mabel) Lulu Fall (Jeanette, Yolanda, Wanda) Stephawn P. Stephens (Man)Creative Team Playwright Regina Taylor Director, Choreographer Kenneth Lee Roberson Music Director e'Marcus Harper Set Designer Neil Patel Costume Designer Austin K. Sanderson Lighting Designer Nancy Schertler Sound Designer Timothy Thompson Dance Captain Kara-Tameika Watkins Stage Manager Amber Dickerson Assistant Stage Manager Angelita Thomas Production Assistant Stephanie Junkin Assistant Director Travis Ballenger Production Dramaturg