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ABCT Celebrates the Generations of “Hat Queens” whose hats fuse faith and fashion in “CROWNS” Great for everyone! An Encore!
“Crowns” is a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of black history and identity as seen through the eyes of a young black woman who has come down South to stay with her grandmother after her brother is killed in Brooklyn. Hats are everywhere, in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell tales concerning everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social use. There is ...Read More
ABCT Celebrates the Generations of “Hat Queens” whose hats fuse faith and fashion in “CROWNS” Great for everyone! An Encore!
“Crowns” is a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of black history and identity as seen through the eyes of a young black woman who has come down South to stay with her grandmother after her brother is killed in Brooklyn. Hats are everywhere, in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell tales concerning everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social use. There is a hat for every occasion, from flirting to churchgoing to funerals to baptisms, and the tradition of hats is traced back to African rituals and slavery and forward to the New Testament and current fashion. Some rap but predominantly gospel music and dance underscore and support the narratives. The conclusion finds the standoffish young woman, whose cultural identity as a young black Brooklyn woman has been so at odds with the more traditional and older Southern blacks, embracing hats and their cultural significance as a part of her own fiercely independent identity.
The Anthony Bean Community Theater presents an encore production of the musical, “Crowns” by Regina Taylor. It made its Louisiana premiere at ABCT in 2004. “Crowns” is directed by Anthony Bean. Musical director is organist, songwriter, producer and arranger Joel Britton. Currently, Britton serves as the Musical Director of BET’s nationally syndicated television show –Sunday Best. The show is choreographed by Kesha McKey. Kesha has choreographed for both stage and film.
The company includes veteran actress and an original cast member of Crowns, Pat McGuire Hill, in the lead role as Mother Shaw. Pat is a 40 year veteran of New Orleans stages and she was a founding member of the fabled Dashiki Theatre. She has received Big Easy nominations for Best Actress and won an Ambie for the same. Playing Yolanda will be Leah Rouege, one the students who grew up on ABCT’s Stage. Donna King, another original member of “Crowns”, reprises her role as Jeanette. Loretta Petit, who is AM940 WYLD Program Director, will portray the role of Mabel. Sandra Butler-Navarre portrays Wanda, Sybil Williams portrays Velma and veteran actor, Ed Bishop, portrays many male roles.
Performances are June 5-7, 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28. Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm. Sunday matinee at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $20.00 for adults, $17.00 for students and seniors, and are available by calling the Box Office at (504) 862-7529. (Box Office Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 2-6 pm. And two hours before performances). You may also charge by phone or charge on line at www.anthonybeantheater.com
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