Photo Flash: Long Wharf Theatre Presents Regina King's CROWNS

Long Wharf Theatre, in association with the McCarter Theater Center, presents the 15TH anniversary production of Crowns, written and directed by Regina Taylor.

Performances take place April 18 through May 13, 2018 on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Mainstage. Tickets start at $30.

The cast includes Shari A. Addison (Mother Shaw), Gabrielle Beckford (Yolanda),Lawrence Clayton (Man), Rebecca Covington (Jeanette), Latice Tenae Crawford (Velma),Stephanie Pope (Wanda), and Danielle K. Thomas (Mabel). The creative team includesDianne McIntyre (choreographer), Jaret Landon (musical director,) Caite Henver (set design), Emilio Sosa (costume design), Bradley King (lighting design), Robert Kaplowitz(sound design), Rasean Davonte Johnson (projection design), Alison Cote (stage manager), Rebecca Scholl, Telsey+Co. (casting.)

When a Chicago teenager is sent to live with her grandmother in South Carolina, she finds herself on a powerful journey toward discovering her place in this world and in her family. Inspired by the best-selling book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, Crowns weaves faith and fashion together into an inspirational, joyous coming-of-age musical celebration of triumphant African American women, their church hats, and the traditions and love passed from generation to generation.

"I think this piece is about the tenacity of the human spirit, how we can get through the dark times, how we can bond together, grow together, and support each other," Taylor said.

Taylor is revisiting the production, making changes to the music and focus of the piece, with the narrative now being told from the teen's perspective as she deals with her past and her newfound sense of self. She is also working with composers Jaret Landon,Diedre Murray, and Drama Desk Award winner Chesney Snow (In Transit) to create a new musical soundscape merging, gospel, soul, and hip-hop.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit longwharf.org or call 203-787-4282.

Photos by T. Charles Erickson