“Crowns” A Gospel Musical brings Delight to Lyric Audiences!
M. Denise Lee as Mother Shaw presents a hat to Ashley Marie Arnold as Yolanda in “Crowns” at Lyric. Photo Courtesy of KO Rinearson
There is an attitude that is fleeting, reminiscent of a simpler time, a warmer place and a slower pace that may well disappear. That memory is preserved in “Crowns” a gospel musical currently being presented at Lyric Theatre at the Plaza. “Crowns” was first realized as a beautiful coffee table book with photos of African American women all dressed up for Sunday go-to-meeting! That means a hat—a hat that is not too flashy or flamboyant, but one that makes a statement, one that displays the character of the lady underneath the hat is acceptable, honorable and necessary for the soul. “Crowns” is not so much a story, or even a musical, it is a peek into that slower pace with satin and lace that should never be forgotten.
The play is an ensemble piece and begins with the story of a young Brooklyn woman, Yolanda. Her brother is shot and she is devastated. There are a number of reasons why her mother sends her to stay with her grandmother in the south, but things are certainly different than New York! Yolanda learns about the importance of hats, what they say, what they really mean, and what dreams are found underneath their brims.
The women sing their stories with passion, tenderness and joy in a display of attitude as well as faith in the hats that they wear. The stories are beautiful in simplicity revealing the underlying strength these women share. The actresses have that same strength.
Regina Taylor, noted playwright and actress adapted “Crowns” from the portrait book of Black women in the hats and Sunday finery written by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. Her approach is deliberately and delightfully minimal so much of the interpretation in each production comes from the director, and the actors. Lyric’s production has called upon the talents of W. Jerome Stevenson to direct. Stevenson is Artistic Director at the Pollard Theatre in Guthrie, and he is enjoying the opportunity to work in another theatre and, of course, work on “Crowns” alongside a great cast. Stevenson is known for his in-depth approach to directing, in that he reveals layers of interpretation that go far deeper than most can see. This makes him the ideal director for this “Crowns” and his expertise and balance shows.
Derrick Cobey (foreground) with Nakeisha McGee as Jeanette and Kizzie Ledbetter as Mabel looking on. Photo courtesy of KO Rinearson.
The cast is mostly women, but there is one fellow in the group, Derrick Cobey. He portrays any of the men escorting a beautiful woman to church and also he is preacher, husband, boyfriend, father, brother as needed fulfilling each role with distinctive presence. In other words, he holds his own with a bevy of talented beauties.
The six songstresses are M. Denise Lee, Ashley Marie Arnold, Kizzie Ledbetter, Nakeisha McGee, Kimberly M. Oliver and Delanie Phillips Brewer. Each of these talented actresses has clearly put her heart and soul into “Crowns” giving every tale simplicity in the telling while revealing the subtle and complex intricacies beyond the surface. Lee is familiar to Dallas audiences as well as Oklahoma City and currently lives in Dallas. Mother Shaw is her debut role for Lyric and her performance is free and easy, easily wonderful. Ashley Marie Arnold is Yolanda, the rebellious youngster who finds her own style in life as well as in hats is marvelous in song and dance reaching very impressive heights. Kizzie Ledbetter plays Mabel with genuine style, a style that borders on attitude, and her multiple skills are excellent. Nakeisha McGee is Jeanette, and her vocals are always welcome to the ears of Lyric patrons. Kimberly M. Oliver is Velma, another talent familiar to Dallas audiences as well as Oklahoma City and her grace and poise clearly reveals the soul of a dancer with her song. Delanie Phillips Brewer is Wanda, who has adorned the stage at the Pollard as well as Lyric on numerous occasions and is a welcome addition to any cast with her vocal range.
The six fascinating actresses and one fortunate fellow make “Crowns” a show that the audience loves with a hidden depth that makes “Crowns” more than a gospel musical, more than a play with music and more than a series of stories—it becomes the impression of a lifestyle that should never erode. Of course to create this W. Jerome Stevenson relies on more than his own extensive talent—he has the skill of Music Director Sandra Thompson who brings these voices into a coalescing success, adding her own magic fingers to the keyboard and bringing Jemar Poteat and Willie Peterson (in select performances) to the beat on drums. Stevenson also has a choreographer with immense ability—Hui Cha Poos. Her skill in making every movement part of a larger dance and every dancer floating on a cloud is phenomenal.
‘Entire Cast of “Crowns” Photo courtesy of KO Rinearson
Once again, Lyric has a winning combination—the right director in the right place with the best crew, the best music to listen to and dance to and the right actors at audition, the winning combination of “Crowns” plays at the Plaza through February 25, 2018. For detailed information on show times and tickets visit www.lyrictheatreokc.com or call the box office at 405-524-9312. Lyric at the Plaza is the anchor to the beautiful Plaza district and the address is 1727 N. W. 16th Street in Oklahoma City. The hats they wear as crowns say more than talking through your hat!