The Black Rep opened season 42 by taking its audience to church with their staging of Regina Taylor’s “Crowns.” An adaptation of Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry’s picture-book, “Crowns: Portrait of Black Women in Church Hats,” the play mixes monologues with beloved familiar gospel music with the intention of sharing a teen girl’s journey to self-discovery as she connects with her roots.
“Crowns” has become a regional theatre favorite in the 15 years since its premiere, but this weekend’s opening marked the musical’s Black Rep debut. Directed by Linda Kennedy, “Crowns” continues through September 23 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre.
Black Rep audiences were no doubt eager to see the historically black arts institution’s first attempt at “Crowns,” which played The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis back in 2005.
The play tells the story of Yolanda, a Brooklyn teen who is sent to live with her grandmother in an unnamed southern small town to regroup following a family tragedy. The experience is a culture shock to say the least to Yolanda, who is a product of the hip-hop generation. As she listens to the stories and songs of her elders, she makes connects with her heritage and carries that rich history and a new sense of pride with her as she forges ahead to create her future.
The idea of “Crowns,” using the fashion anchor of the black church to shed light on the women who wear them and create an intergenerational connection within the black community, is to be commended. And based on the continued popularity of the show, it is one that is willing to be embraced. Unfortunately, Taylor’s words don’t live up to the task at hand. Hollow monologues and malnourished anecdotes fail to crack the surface of providing more insight into the black woman’s experience by way of faith-based fashion. Even the central character Yolanda gets lost in the shuffle of stories that don’t offer much to aid her on the path to self-love and pride. The opportunity to go deeper into the conviction and resilience of black women as anchors of the black church – and the black family – is lost, and audiences will find themselves impatiently aching for the next musical selection.
Fortunately, the Black Rep has a solid ensemble of performers that make those moments worth the wait. Young actors Tyler White and Myke Andrews are extremely impressive in their respective roles as Yolanda and Man. Charged with the responsibility of portraying a host of male characters over the course of the production, Andrews proves himself a chameleon on stage as he weaves in and of roles that include a pastor, dutiful and doting husband and African ancestor. White shows herself to be a quadruple threat in the making as she rapped, danced, sang and told Yolanda’s story with equal parts of passion and intention. And Eleanor Humphrey makes an impressive Black Rep debut as the prissy Jeanette, as does famed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater alum and current Co-Artistic Director of Dance at COCA – who choreographed “Crowns.”
Led by Black Rep veteran Anita Jackson as Mother Shaw, company regulars Leah Stewart, Amber Rose and Maureen Williams are true to form as they sing the stage down in selections such as “I Got A Crown Up in The Kingdom,” “Marching to Zion,” “I’m On the Battlefield,” “Wade in the Water,” “Mary Don’t You Weep” and many others that illustrate the savvy of musical director Charles Creath.
As per usual, The Black Rep was consistent with its reputation for production value – thanks particularly the scenic design. The set leaves a lasting impression on guests even before the show begins. As they settle into their seats, they will notice that Dunsi Dai turned the idea of a sparingly intimate set on its head by creating a crown as the centerpiece. With benches on either side, the performers sing, dance and recite monologues while working the circumference of the blonde wood that creates the perfect illusion of a Sunday straw hat – including the pop of color that represents the ribbon. The backdrop of stained glass windows provides an extra bit of pop and seem to intentionally compliment costume designer Daryl Harris’ colorful rotation of crowns that adorn the cast over the course of the show.
The Black Rep’s production of “Crowns” continues through September 23 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www.theblackrep.org.
