‘When I’ve done the best I can, I want my crown.’

This is one of a few significant songs led by Lovely Hoffman in a production about faith through grief and much more.  Through testimonies, reflections, and soul stirring music, Regina Taylor’s inspiring Crowns explores life’s journey through hats which can make a profound statement, represent a lot of sacrifices, and ultimately stand for something greater. 

With Regine Vital’s soul stirring direction, Kurt Douglas’s upbeat choreography, and David Coleman’s powerful music direction, Moonbox Productions continues Regina Taylor’s Crowns live and in person at Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge, MA through Sunday, May 4.  Perfectly timed around Easter and prior to Mother’s Day, this semi-interactive production is an uplifting 90 minutes with no intermission.  It is not limited to the stage and its church atmosphere has a collection benefiting Rosie’s Place.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

One may stay silent and observe, but this show is quite a celebration and the audience is invited to show their enthusiasm and engage in a joyful noise, clap and sing along.  The Crowns cast is friendly, warm, welcoming and makes it easy to join in as part of their community.  Having attended a previous Moonbox production, it is also comforting that a teleprompter is available to follow and sing along to a vast selection of powerful gospel works.

Demure and delicate or a sparkling showstopper, Crowns show that hats hold greater meaning than an article you place on your head, especially to a group of southern women who have welcomed a young girl from Brooklyn named Yolanda into their church.  After Yolanda’s brother in killed, Yolanda is sent to live with Mildred E. Walker as wise Mother Shaw, Yolanda’s grandmother in South Carolina. Mirrorajah portrays Yolanda, a city girl who looked up to her brother and had not had much guidance in her life.  Yolanda’s fish out of water experience makes room for compelling comical moments and soul stirring revelations with an excellent cast who takes on various roles as their stories unfold. 

With gray columns and offstage instrumentalists David Freeman Coleman and Brandon Mayes, Issak Olson’s transformative lighting illuminates the altar in Baron S. Pugh’s modest set design enhanced by a variety of multicolored hats, hat boxes, flowers and vanity mirrors hung on each side of the stage.   Eye catching and detailed lace parasols also make a strong impression.  Decked out in distinctive hats, E. Rosser and wig designer Schanaya Barrows makes each character stand out sharply dressed in vibrant and bold colors as Yolanda makes her own impression in a colorful jacket and shining shoes.

Crowns is a collection of music, stories, testimonials, traditions and reflections exploring the meaning behind ‘hattitude’ while delving into cultural, ancestral and historical context including segregation.  From how to wear a hat to what type of hat to wear, structure, fabric, etiquette and significance, each character has an original reflection on how their hats made an impact in their lives and to those around them.

The entire cast which includes Cortlandt Barrett, Janelle Grace, Lovely Hoffman, Cheryl D. Singleton, Mildred E. Walker and Kaedon Gray boasts soaring vocals as well as irresistible charm in their lively and witty dialogue.  Mirrorajah delivers a moving performance as leery yet curious Yolanda, especially as she proclaims, ‘I don’t know how a dead soul can rise again’ and shines in the upbeat number I’ve Got Joy like a Fountain.  Dressed all in white, Walker as Mother Shaw exuberantly sings, In the Morning, blends beautiful harmony for Ol Ship of Zion and delivers an amazing a capella rendition of Take me to the Water with the cast.  Lovely Hoffman as Velma’s rendition of His Eye is on the Sparrow also boasts incredible harmony as well as the spiritual Wade in the Water featuring the cast.  It is difficult to choose standouts when they are all so brilliantly done.

Eshe O Baba is Yoruba for ‘Thank you father’ which is a significant phrase in Crowns. Fueled by love, experience the wonder of Crowns.   

Moonbox Productions continues Regina Taylor’s Crowns live and in person at Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge, MA through Sunday, May 4.  Click here for more information and for tickets.