Center Repertory Company Presents Roof-Raising Musical Celebration “CROWNS”
Center Repertory Company will present “Crowns,” a jubilant musical celebration of cultural history and glamorous hats, performing September 9 through October 6, 2023. With imaginative storytelling and songs tracing from Gospel through contemporary hip-hop, “Crowns” centers on a community of Black women who don brilliant bold hats for all of life’s occasions. When Chicago-born Yolanda is sent down South, she is welcomed into their world, exploring the powerful rituals and rich history connected to their stunning headgear. Written by Golden Globe Award-winning actor/director/playwright Regina Taylor based on the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, “Crowns” is an inspirational and roof-raising musical play that will lift spirits and have audiences leaping to their feet. Helmed by celebrated regional theatre director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, “Crowns” will perform at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek.
Director Sonnenberg has assembled a talented cast to bring this vibrant musical play to life. Seen in Center REP’s “A Christmas Carol” as Flora Fezziwig, Antonia Reed returns as Yolanda, a young Black woman who goes down South and discovers a vibrant community of women wearing fabulous hats.
Juanita Harris makes her Center REP debut as Mother Shaw, the matriarch of the group. Harris is a Bay Area vocal coach, director, vocal and music director, musician, vocalist, and actor.
Erica Richardson (aka Yaadi Erica) returns as Wanda, a ladylike woman who is concerned with propriety, decorum, and wearing the most appropriate hat. A bi-coastal artist and educator, Richardson has been nominated for and has won awards for her theatrical performances throughout the Bay Area.
Phaedra Tillery Boughton makes her Center REP debut as Mabel, a minister’s wife who owns about 200 hats. Boughton is a Bay Area based actor, director, playwright, casting associate, and arts advocate.
Constance Jewell Lopez returns as Velma, a tough funeral director with “hattitude” in spades. As a vocalist, she performed as a backup singer for Huey Lewis and the News.
Janelle LaSalle makes her Center REP debut as Jeanette, a fun, flirty, and brassy woman.
After directing Center REP’s “The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith”, Darryl V. Jones makes his onstage debut as The Man, playing different roles in the women’s stories.
Crowns features musical direction by Leigh Scarritt, choreography by Kendra Barnes, scenic design by Nina Ball, costume design by Ulises Alcala, sound design by Lyle Barrere, lighting design by Ben Rawson, props design by Alyssa Tryon, and technical supervision by Kelly James Tighe.
For tickets ($45-$70) and more information, the public may visit LesherArtsCenter.org or call the box office at (925) 943-7469 (open Wed-Sun, 12:00pm-6:00pm).