Lake Charles Little Theatre is currently showing their production of Crowns by Regina Taylor.
The description of the play from Dramatists.com is "A moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of black history and identity as seen through the eyes of a young black woman who has come down South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in Brooklyn. Hats are everywhere, in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell tales concerning everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social functioning. There is a hat for every occasion, from flirting to churchgoing to funerals to baptisms, and the tradition of hats is traced back to African rituals and slavery and forward to the New Testament and current fashion. Some rap but predominantly gospel music and dance underscore and support the narratives. The conclusion finds the standoffish young woman, whose cultural identity as a young black Brooklyn woman has been so at odds with the more traditional and older Southern blacks, embracing hats and their cultural significance as a part of her own fiercely independent identity."
I often don't go to a play on opening night. If I can, I often try to find a time I can go to one of the performances of a play between opening and closing to give the cast and crew the time to get used to performing the play and then to not have those last performance blues of knowing this is the last time that they are going to be in that exact play with that exact cast. However, sometimes due to my schedule, going to an opening night performance can't be avoided and that was the case this time.
As to the play, I found the beginning a little bit confusing at first. It almost seemed more like a fashion show interspersed with stories. Which, if that's how fashion shows worked, they would become much more interesting.
However, as the play moved on, I understood what was happening. From the description from Dramatists, I would say that there really isn't any rap in the play, but some rhythmical poetry and dance. At times, it seemed a little heavy on the gospel, but the majority of the play happens inside of a church, so that's how it is going to be. It also seems light on the history of the culture of hats in mainland Africa. However, it is educational and informative. I did not know why so many blacks tend to wear fancy hats to worship services and gatherings. I now understand more of the significance even if I don't agree with all of the interpretation that is put to some of the Biblical passages.
The young girl is Yolanda and the part near the end where she is baptized into the church is a metaphor for her understanding the significance of hats for her culture. She's come from completely disagreeing with her culture to accepting it.
As for Lake Charles Little Theatre, the cast is amazing. The preacher (who also takes on multiple other roles throughout the play) is played by Lake Charles veteran actor Michael Davis. If you haven't seen him in a Lake Charles theatre production, you need to see a production with him in it.
Yolanda is played by a young upcoming actress named Madline Breauchelle Smith. She has been an actress in school plays and Louisiana Baptist Youth Encampment in New Orleans. This is her second play in Lake Charles. Her first was Elf, Jr. with Lake Charles Christian Youth Theatre.
Other cast members include Rev. Mary Guidry-Ringo as Mother Shaw, Martha Reynolds as Wanda, Connie Major as Mabel, Mildred Linvgston-Smith as Velma, and Linda Staves as Jeanette. The play is directed by Dan Sadler.
The costuming is bright and colorful, definitely a treat for the eyes. Yet, it is not garish to where it is distracting.
If you like to learn and you aren't afraid of possibly crying at some sad stories as told in the little vignettes that hold the play together (teaching Yolanda), this play is one that you need to go see.
The production is being held at 7:30pm on February 17, 23, 24, March 2, 3 and 3pm on February 18, 25, and March 4.
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