SIT BACK AND LET THIS CAST
TAKE YOU TO CHURCH
Aptly described as a powerful mix of gospel music and “hattitude,” Moonbox Production’s Crowns—which opened last night at Arrow Street Arts—indeed hits on many levels. Regina Taylor’s adaptation of the eponymous coffee table book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry flows easily between music and prose. The backdrop of the show centers around a tough young Black woman from Brooklyn who moves down South to live with her church-going aunt after her brother is killed. Bookending this framework with the enveloping presence of African ancestors and traditions sets the stage for an exploration of Black history, familial and community love, connection, grief, and liberation—all through the hat.
Kaedon Gray and Janelle Grace
Chery Singleton, Mildred E. Walker, Janelle Grace,
Cortlandt Barrett, Mirrorajah, Kaedon Gray and Lovely Hoffman
Thanks to the creativity and skill of the writing and the actors and production team, the idea of the hat as storyteller is illuminated in both big and nuanced ways. Props and costume designers Danielle Ibrahim and E Rosser make those hats sing! Whether it’s a simple black bowler or a wide-brimmed number decked out in color and lace, these hats have something to say. Aided by Isaak Olson’s evocative lighting and Baron E. Pugh’s minimal yet multi-purpose set, the cast excels at changing mood (and character) in relation to the hat.
The company of Crowns
Kaedon Gray, Lovely Hoffman and Janelle Grace
Mirrorajah is charming as the out-of-place youngster who just wants to wear her sports cap. Mildred E. Walker is loving and fierce, then heartbreaking as the aunt and in her various other roles. Janelle Grace sparkles in her multiple roles, especially with the juicy dance gifted to her to perform by renowned choreographer Kurt Douglas. Cortlandt Barrett, Kaedon Gray, Lovely Hoffman, and Cheryl D. Singleton round out the excellent cast, all of whom do equal justice to slipping in and out of their various roles, as well as having the strong voices required for the heavenly gospel tunes running through the piece. In this intimate space, the live keyboard and drums (David Coleman and Brandon Mayes) and sound design (James Cannon) let the music shine yet never overpower. Opportunities abound here for audience participation, as we’re encouraged to clap and stomp and sing along (lyrics are provided in pamphlets on our seats as well as projected on both sides of the stage).
Cheryl Singleton, Cortlandt Barrett, Mirrorajah, Janelle Grace, Lovely Hoffman, Kaedon Gray
Cortlandt Barrett and company
We are also given an opportunity to participate as a collection plate is passed around in church-like fashion in the middle of the show. We are made aware before the show that they are raising money for a worthy cause—Rosie’s Place, a shelter and resource center for women—and that we would have the chance to donate. While this is absolutely a beautiful and worthwhile concept, the business of orchestrating and passing around the too-small collection plate overflowing with bills distracts from the performances and slows down the pace and energy of the production, which could use a bit of tightening up here and there as it is.
Lovely Hoffman, Mirrorajah and Cortlandt Barrett
The company of Crowns
Crowns strikes a nice balance of humor and joy without being saccharine. And it does not shy away from the darkness, either, whose moments are almost elegant in their simplicity laid bare, and never over the top. Under the sensitive direction of Regine Vital, the cast breathes tenderness and strength into even the darkest moments of grief and injustice, and vitality and gratitude into the many moments of joy. Through our participation over the nonstop 90-minute journey, we become part of this community which uses storytelling and singing to heal, resist, open, and to connect us to each other and to our past. The transformative power of lifting our voices together in praise of being alive transcends all.
photos by Chelcy Garrett
Crowns
Moonbox Productions
Arrow Street Arts, 2 Arrow St in Cambridge, MA
Thurs at 7:30; Fri at 8; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 3
ends on May 4, 2025
for tickets ($45), visit Arrow St. Arts or Moonbox
for more shows, visit Theatre in Boston
