January 2007
CROWNSCivic Auditorium
C Brimming with “HatBrimming with “Hattitude”rowns is a joyous cele-
bration of African Americanwomen and their churchhats, this endearing newplay with music is a soul-stirring tribute to the uniquecultural phenomenon thatfuses faith with fashion.There is a hat for everyoccasion, from flirting tochurchgoing to funerals tobaptisms. Yolanda, a younggirl from Brooklyn, is sentdown south to stay with her grandmother after her brother is shot and killed. Asshe watches her grandmotherand her grandmother'sfriends preparing for andgoing to Sunday churchservice, she begins to discover connections toolder traditions and a deeperspirituality. You won't wantto miss this Off-Broadwaysensation; it's brimmingwith “hattitude,” rivetingstories, dance, jazz, bluesand glorious gospel music.
As part of our Artist-in-Residence program, Broadwayfavorite Jerry Dixon willserve as the Director ofCrowns. In addition tobeing an accomplishedperformer, whose Broadwaycredits include Once OnThis Island and Five GuysNamed Moe, Jerry is also a
much sought-after director.Most recently he staged avery successful productionof tick, tick, BOOM! in Singapore. When TonyAward winner LaChanzewas looking for someone todirect her solo concerts aspart of the Lincoln CenterAmerican Songbook Series,she chose Mr. Dixon. Jerry'sdirectorial credits includePractical Magic for theActor's Studio Theatre andThe Body Electric at BucksCounty Playhouse.
Crowns features asupremely talented cast andcrew. Denise Moye (Velma) Jacquese Steele (Yolanda)Les Allen Roberts (The Man)Jennifer Hebben (Wanda)
and Renita Ellis (Jeanette)are returning veterans of theCivic Theatre. Also featuredin the cast are Alfrelynn J.Roberts (Mabel) and GladysEvans (Mother Shaw) whoare appearing for the firsttime on a Civic stage.
Crowns is sure to moveyou! Order your ticketstoday by calling theKalamazoo Civic TheatreBox Office at 269-343-1313or visit our website atwww.kazoocivic.com. Asalways we offer special rates for groups, seniors and students.
Fri Feb 9 8:00pmSat Feb 10 8:00pmThu Feb 15 7:30pmFri Feb 16 8:00pmSat Feb 17 8:00pmSun Feb 18 2:00pmFri Feb 23 8:00pmSat Feb 24 8:00pm
Crowns issponsored by:
Our 2006-2007 Mainstage Season Presenter:
Box Office: 269-343-1313 Business Office: 269-343-2280 www.kazoocivic.com
By Regina Taylor
February 9 thru February 24, 2007Play with Music | Civic Auditorium
The Artist in Residence Series is sponsored by:
The Artist in Residence program is made possible through the generous support of
The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
ARTIST IN RESIDENCEMASTER CLASS $25
Musical Theatre Scene ExplorationSaturday, January 20th, 11:00am to 1:00pm
INSIDE THE CARVER CENTER STUDIO $5
Saturday, January 27th, 2:00pm
POST SHOW TALK BACKSaturday, February 10th,
following the performance of Crowns
FREE to patrons of the February 10th performance of Crowns
For more information or for class registration forms visit our website
www.kazoocivic.com
DIXONJerry
