'CROWNS' at Arena Stage - A Crowning Achievement

There are times when I really love being a correspondent for Broadwayworld.com. Certainly, stepping into the historic Lincoln Theatre on U. Street in Washington, DC and watching this feel good award-winning musical entitled Crowns is right at the top of the list.

The Arena Stage could issue a 100% guarantee with each ticket that if you don't like this show, you'll get your money back. I read that this is the fourth time Arena Stage has presented this show and now I know why. As long as there are people who have still not seen it, or theater-goers have said enough is enough, it's NOT enough.

When you enter the historic Lincoln Theatre, you hear the sounds of the organ like you would hear on any Sunday morning in a typical Black church in the South. It gets you in the mood.

What is the recipe for this success? You start with the playwright, ReGina Taylor (who I will always remember for her role in the acclaimed television series "I'll Fly Away"), a talented Director/Choreographer like Kenneth Lee Roberson (who had the same roles for the tremendous Once on This Island at Center Stage), a clever set designer who has a super pedigree in Neil Patel, colorful and clever costumes by Austin K. Sanderson, effective lighting by Nancy Schertler, great sound by Timothy Thompson, and two wonderful musicians, e'Marcus Harper (Musical Director and keyboards), and Romero Wyatt on percussion. That's the recipe.

Oh...I did forget one major part of the puzzle. Hire the most talented cast you can afford and who are available. A good place to start is the always effervescent, E. Faye Butler. Throw in a couple of Broadway veterans like Marva Hicks (Caroline or Change and The Lion King), and NaTasha Yvette Williams (who I saw in both The Color Purple and Dessa Rose), add Mary Millben (who performed as a back-up singer for Bruce Springsteen at the Super Bowl), Kara-Tameika Watkins (a veteran of local theater and Hairspray in Las Vegas), and a dash of a newcomer like Zurin Villaneuva (remember the name) who beat out over 60 singers in a similar audition used in "Star Search" for the role of Yolanda. (Three swings waiting in the wings are Betty "Dee Dee" Carter, Lulu Fall, and Stephawn P. Stephens). Then, add the talented Phillip Boykin (Man) who has toured the world in such shows as Show Boat, Ain't Misbehavin', and Porgy and Bess.

The young Villanueva (who will receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater degree from Howard University in May) is originally from Brooklyn and attended the prestigious LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts. She uses her New York accent playing the role of a young girl who after her brother is shot, is sent off to the "safety of the south" to finish high school under the tutelage of Grandmother Shaw (Butler).

The young Yolanda is introduced to her Grandma's friends and to their way of life which centers around what to wear to church. For the uninitiated, Crowns is a learning experience in the way the African experience and slavery are intertwined with religion.

There is much music and dancing. You'll hear spirituals like "When the Saints Come Marching In" and the amazing "Marching to Zion". My two favorites though are "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "His Eyes are on the Sparrow".

My wife and I noticed the mention of the Rev. Ike. Why? While she was in school in Boston, she had a part-time job filling envelopes with prayer clothes to those who made a donation to the well-known preacher.

Certainly you can't a show like Crowns without those colorful hats. (They even sell them before or after the show in the lobby). How important are these hats? One commented, "I'd lend my children before I lend one of my hats."

The Minister is quick to point out to one of the congregants, "You can't pay your tye (donation), but you have a new hat EVERY Sunday."

I've seen Butler in many roles, but nothing like this. She sings, she dances, she smiles and we all melt.

The sad news is that Crowns ends its run Sunday, April 26. Don't miss it. And when you're there, after the show, head next door to partake in one of the nation's premier eateries, "Ben's Chili Bowl". (Visit www.benschilebowl.com). Life can't get any better than this.

Visit www.arenastage.org for some interesting videos of the production and the making of the hats.

For tickets: call 202-488-3300.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

  

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