CenterREP’s “CROWNS” Is a Roof-Raising Musical Celebration!
By Darlene Jurow
Center Repertory Company’s presentation of “Crowns”, currently playing at the Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Dr.) in Walnut Creek, CA. through October 6, 2023, is a jubilant musical celebration of cultural history and especially that of glamorous hats. The title ‘Crowns’ actually refers to the fabulous assortment of hats the ladies of South Carolina wear to church as they represent individuality, achievement, and freedom.
With imaginative storytelling and songs tracing from Gospel through contemporary hip-hop, “Crowns” centers on a community of Black women who don these brilliant bold hats for all of life’s occasions. When Chicago-born Yolanda (Antonia Reed) is sent down South after losing her brother to senseless street violence, she is welcomed into their world, exploring the powerful rituals and rich history connected to these women wearing stunning headgear.
Others in this fabulous cast include Juanita Harris, who makes her CenterREP debut as Mother Shaw, the matriarch of the group; Yaadi Erica Richardson as Wanda, a ladylike woman who is concerned with propriety, decorum, and wearing the most appropriate hat for each occasion; Phaedra Tillery-Boughton, who also makes her CenterREP debut, as Mabel, a minister’s wife who owns about 200 hats; Constance Jewell Lopez as Velma, a tough funeral director with “hattitude” in spades; and Janelle LaSalle, as Jeanette, a fun, flirty, and brassy woman.
The ensemble cast is vocally strong, belting out gospel tunes. But as previously mentioned, the focus of this play is about the hats, and each of the ladies reveals the multiple aspects of how to wear them, with the symbolism attached to each of them.
Although the focus of this production may be on the hats, the costumes themselves (offered by costume designer Ulises Alcala) are just as stunning.
The musical numbers, presented by music director Leigh Scarritt, display the emotional and spiritual aspects of the production.
Finally, Yolanda is baptized into the group as it continues its traditions, which is precisely what the show is all about. “Crowns” is an inspirational musical that lifts the spirits, and has audiences clapping, cheering, and leaping to their feet.
For tickets or more information please visit LesherArtsCenter.org or phone (925) 943-7469.
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Photo caption: Yolanda (Antonia Reed), Mabel (Phaedra Tillery-Boughton), and Velma (Constance Jewell Lopez) listen as Jeanette (Janelle LaSalle) extolls the flirtatious power of hats in Center Repertory Company's "Crowns," performing through October 6, 2023 at Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. (Photo Credit: Kevin Berne)