Holmdel Theatre Company, a non-union theatre company, in conjunction with The New Jersey Creative Arts Collaborative, is still looking for actors for some roles for its upcoming production of the musical Crowns by Regina Taylor, adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. Gwen Ricks-Spencer will direct the show with music direction by Lawrence Allen. The show will be presented at Holmdel Theatre in Holmdel, NJ. Rehearsals will begin in mid-August, with performances scheduled for October 28, 29, 30, and November 4, 5, 6, 2022.. Audition tapes are accepted or virtual auditions are available. Please contact newjerseycac@gmail.com to submit.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Crowns is a moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for exploring 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's death. Hats are everywhere, in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell stories concerning everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social functioning. There is a hat for every occasion, from flirting to churchgoing to funerals to baptisms. 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 a young woman whose cultural identity has been at odds with the more traditional and older Southern black women, embracing hats and their cultural significance as a part of her own fiercely independent identity.
The following roles as available:
[Mother Shaw] 50s-60s: A Nurturer. Present. Yolanda's no-nonsense Grandmother. Rooted. A strong woman who has worked hard all of her life. Mother Shaw is steadfast in her beliefs and does not suffer fools. She has a hard-earned and sizeable hat collection. Strong gospel voice.
[Velma] 30s-40s: Great sense of humor. Strong, sassy, and fabulous. Marches to her own beat. A licensed funeral director and a firm believer in hattitude, the attitude one must possess to wear a hat well. Strong Bluesy/Jazz vocalist.
[Jeanette] Early 20s - late 30s: Feminine and flirtatious. Lovely. Centered. She understands the flirtatious powers of a good hat and its value. A solid singer/dancer/mover.
[Preacher] 30s-50s: Strong presence and stature. Extremely versatile character man. Represents all of the men in the women's lives: husband, preacher, father. Strong vocally and moves well.
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