originally published: 09/23/2016
![The Theater Project Presents "Crowns" By Regina Taylor](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2016/Crowns.jpg "The Theater Project Presents "Crowns" By Regina Taylor")
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Expectations are high -- The Theater Project had previously produced CROWNS in 2010, so “In 2016, we expect to raise the roof at each and every performance in Maplewood,” says artistic director Mark Spina. “The music in CROWNS makes you want to join right in – and people do!”
The production, made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, begins its four-week run September 29.
In Regina Taylor’s CROWNS, the hats worn by African American church women become a springboard for exploration of black history and identity through story and song. “Sometimes under those hats, there’s a lot of joy and a lot of sorrow.”
The show uses gospel music to describe the journey of Yolanda, a young woman who travels down South to stay with family after her brother is killed in Brooklyn. As she deals with her loss, she finds strength by learning about her roots from her grandmother’s community of church women. Gospel music, rap and dance underscore her story as she discovers the history and significance of cultural traditions in a colorful, energetic depiction of African-American life.
The production’s musical director is Gail Lou, an accomplished recording artist, actress, songwriter, and arranger. She performed off-Broadway as Lena Horne in MAMA I WANT TO SING and has received critical acclaim from the Grammy Committee for her recordings. Choreographer Colleen Hawks’ Broadway performance credits include SHREK, THE BOY FROM OZ, and SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ. The production is directed by Mark Spina.
CROWNS is being presented by the award-winning professional company The Theater Project at its home base in Maplewood’s Burgdorff Center for the Arts, September 29 – October 23rd. It was originally produced in New York City by McCarter Theatre in association with Second Stage Theatre in 2002. CROWNS is based on the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marbury and adapted by Regina Taylor.
About The Theater Project (TTP):
Founded in 1994, The Theater Project presents its main stage season and children’s classes at the Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood, New Jersey. TTP also maintains a strong presence in Cranford and Union, offering readings and events in several locations.
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
FEATURED EVENTS
Vivid Stage New Play Reading: "Dr. Hydra and the Eye"
Wednesday, May 08, 2024 @ 7:00pm
Summit Community Center
100 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901
category: theatre
Click here for full description
George Street Playhouse presents "Tick, Tick... BOOM!"
Wednesday, May 08, 2024 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: theatre
Click here for full description
Choice
Wednesday, May 08, 2024 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theater)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: theatre
Click here for full description
Click here for more events
Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages.
Click here for more info.
LATEST NEWS
Two River Theater presents August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean"
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater has announced the cast and creative team for August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, the seventh production in Two River Theater's commitment to stage all ten of Wilson's visionary epics in the American Century Cycle, directed by San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award Winner, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg (Appropriate, Trouble in Mind). The production runs June 8-30, 2024.
The Theater Project presents Script-In-Hand Reading of "StreetCART" by Lynn Aylward
Red Bank Theatre for Young Audiences presents Enchanted Cabaret & Sing-Along
Classic Radio Road Show to Perform Radio Comedies at Navesink and Monroe Libraries
Click here for more event previews
New Jersey Stage
© 2024 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
info@newjerseystage.com
Nobody covers the Arts
throughout the Garden State
like New Jersey Stage!
