Photo Flash: First Look at The Human Race Theatre Co's CROWNS, Beginning Tonight

The Human Race completes its 28th season of producing professional theatre for the Miami Valley with actress/playwright Regina Taylor's hit Crowns. The Human Race Theatre Company's production runs tonight, June 11, through June 28, 2015 at The Loft Theatre. It is co-directed by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Artistic Director Debbie Blunden-Diggs, who also serves as choreographer, and Human Race Theatre Founding Resident Artist Scott Stoney. Resident Artist Scot Woolley is the musical director. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

Based on Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry's book by same name, the play begins as troubled Brooklyn teenager Yolanda is sent to live with her church-going grandmother down South after the death of her brother. There she finds healing in the personal stories of the ladies of the congregation and the hats that adorn their heads. Through time and space, their intimate histories create a soulful, joyous triumph of song, dance, culture and glorious "hattitude" in this powerhouse gospel musical like no other.

Crowns features performances by an ensemble of seven versatile actors, including Wright State University senior Jasmine Easler (Hot Mikado, Fences) as "Velma", Joliet F. Harris (Because of Winn Dixie, Ella the Musical, Ain't Misbehavin', HBO's The Wire) as "Mother Shaw", Joy Lynn Jacobs (Marie Christine and The Music Man on Broadway, Gotham and Nurse Jackie on television) as "Wanda", David Jennings (After Midnight, Hands on a Hardbody, Brooklyn the Musical on Broadway, Grammy nomination for 30th Anniversary recording of Dreamgirls) as "The Man", Monette McKay (Mamma Mia!, Memphis, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark on Broadway) as "Yolanda", former Dayton Contemporary Dance Company member Debra Walton (Children of Eden, Little Shop of Horrors for Human Race; Pajama Game and Street Corner Symphony on Broadway) returns to The Human Race after many years as "Jeanette" and Cincinnati actress Torie Wiggins (Mame, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike for Human Race; The Mountain Top and Black Pearl Sings! for Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati) makes a third appearance with The Human Race this season as "Mabel".

Scenic designer Tamara L. Honesty (Other Desert Cities, Lombardi) and costume designer David M. Covach (August: Osage County, Moonlight and Magnolias) found inspiration for their designs in the Yoruba culture of Nigeria. Covach costumed each of the play's female characters in a different color, based on a number of Yoruba deities. Crowns marks Covach's thirtieth design for The Human Race. Honesty combined the earthy, wooden textures and colors of Yoruba craftwork with the modesty found in many Southern Pentecostal churches. The result is an open set space framed by screens upon which Resident Lighting Designer John Rensel will use projections to create a variety of times and locations. Scot Woolley and percussionist Kevin Anderson accompany the cast, performing the musical's score-a mix of gospel, hymns, spirituals, chants-live offstage on a variety of instruments. Sound Designer Jay Brunner completes the environment by incorporating traditional and popular Yoruba/Nigerian music throughout the action.

Tickets for the preview performance of Crowns tonight, June 11 start at $35 for adults, $32 for seniors and $17.50 for students. For all performances June 12 - 28, single ticket prices start at $40 for adults, $37 for seniors and $20 for students. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. All performances are at the Metropolitan Art Center's Loft Theatre, located at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Tickets and performance information on Crowns are available at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

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