“I realize, right here and now, that even if I had no hair, I’d glue a wig to my scalp and put a hat on.”
Practically every night for the past two months, the entire cast of Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats has gathered at the Market House Theatre to rehearse for their big debut on Thursday, February 14.
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| Cast includes (front) Arista Brisbon, MyKynleigh Abraham, Michelle Mundy and Rosa Scott (and back) Director Mary Jane Bowles, Dvonne Miller, Manulito Maxwell, Mary Mackey and Music Director Douglas P. Arnold. |
Don’t miss the vibrant gospel music, spirit and energy from these beautiful women (and two men!) and their extravagant church hats. The show runs February 14-17. Buy tickets online or call 444.6828.
Meet the Cast!
Douglas P. Arnold — Music Director“This musical brought out a part of me that is very important to me, and that's my Christianity. God works in mysterious ways, and He truly has this time though Crowns. The thing I enjoy most is the spirituality of the cast, and especially Mary Jane. It is a joy to work with her and the entire cast — a true blessing from God.”
McKynleigh Abraham — Yolanda“One of my friends thought I’d be perfect for Yolanda. But when I read the script, I thought, this character isn’t like me at all! She has an edge about her — like, “Don’t mess with me!” In the end, she comes to understand the importance of family and tradition.”
Mary Jane Bowles — Director“I identified with the script — it’s a sweet script. It’s about a family and connecting with one another and heritage. I’m a collaborative director. I like pulling in the ideas of the cast, crew and musicians and unifying everything into one vision.”
Arista Brisbon — Jeanette“I auditioned for Jeanette because she’s very stylish and attitude-ish. She comes across as a very ladylike, classy and beautiful woman. She’s all about fashion, and I love portraying that!”
Mary Mackey — Wanda“I like Wanda, and I don’t like Wanda! She’s very judgmental — almost like she holds herself in higher regard. However, I like that she focuses on who she is in Christ and how she should look her best before the Lord.”
Manulito Maxwell — Man“Hats are a sign of what people are interested in. You can tell a lot about a person by the hat they wear — especially in church. I wanted to do this show because of the spirituality, the closer walk with God and the family values.”
Dvonne Miller — Mabel“Mabel is a preacher’s wife, and she was raised by a preacher. So God has always been a part of her life. She knows how it feels to lose someone you love, but she also has a strength that helps her make it through the hard times.”
Michelle Mundy — Velma“This is my first play. I like Velma because of her background and where it took her. She and her sister grew up very poor and overcame many obstacles. Velma went on to become a licensed funeral director. So her hard work paid off.”
Rosa Scott — Mother Shaw“Michael Cochran (Market House executive director) mailed me the script two years ago, and I’ve been wanting to do this show ever since! Finally, it’s here! Mother Shaw is the wise one. She educates her granddaughter about tradition and love.”
