Crowns
By Regina Taylor
Based on the book Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry
Directed by Pamela Hunt
2004-2005 Mainstage Season
The Story
Ask a woman about her hat and you will find out a lot more. Brimming with joyful exuberance and full of “hattitude”, this celebration of colorful church hats and the women who wear them is the ultimate convergence of faith and fashion. Sounds of gospel, jazz, and other musical styles enliven the stories and traditions of strong, elegant and inspiring black women.
Creative & Production Staff
Musical Director: Thomas W. Carpenter
Choreographer: Mercedes Ellington
Scenic Designer: Hugh Landwehr
Costume Designer: Reggie Ray
Lighting Designer: Phil Monat
Stage Manager: Glenn Dunn
Assistant Stage Manager: Tony Dearing
Casting: Rich Cole
Cast
Erin Cherry (Yolanda)
Darryl Reuben Hall (Preacher/Man)
Denise M. Thimes (Mother Shaw)
Stacie Precia (Jeanette)
Jannie Jones (Velma)
Chaundra Cameron (Mabel)
Gayle Samuels (Wanda)
Understudies: Ashanti Johnson (Yolanda, Jeanette, Wanda), Kathy Wade (Mabel, Mother Shaw, Velma)
Orchestra
Thomas W. Carpenter (Keyboards)
James A. Jackson, II (Percussionist)
Sponsorship & Support
Major Sponsor: Anheuser-Busch Companies
Kevin Kline Awards
Nominations
Outstanding Musical Direction: Tim Carpenter, Crowns
Outstanding Costume Design: Reggie Ray, Crowns
Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical: Crowns
Awards
Outstanding Costume Design: Reggie Ray, Crowns