
Written and directed by Taylor, the limited engagement continues through Aug. 5 and features E. Faye Butler as Mabel, Felicia Fields as Mother Shaw and Jasondra Johnson as Velma. Also in the cast are Shari Addison, Melanie Brezill, David Jennings, Alexis J. Rogers, Kelvin Roston, Jr., Yusha-Marie Sorzano, Laura Walls, Pauletta Washington and Marketta P. Wilder.
Here's how Goodman bills the show: "When Chicago-born Yolanda is sent down South after the death of her brother, she finds strength in the tales of the wise women who surround her—and the powerful rituals connected to their dazzling hats. This jubilant musical traces the roots of Gospel through contemporary hip hop, fusing rich storytelling with abundant 'hattitude' into a stirring coming-of-age tale. Crowns is a not-to-be-missed celebration of song, dance, cultural history—and glamorous headwear."
Crowns, by playwright Taylor, earned five 2003 Audelco Awards and four 2004 Helen Hayes Awards, including Outstanding Musical Production and Director.
Other members of the creative team include choreographer Dianne McIntyre, music director Fred Carl, projection designer Maya Ciarrocchi, set designer Maruti Evans, dramaturg Tanya Palmer, costume designer Karen Perry, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, sound designer Richard Woodbury, production stage manager Alden Vasquez and stage manager Jamie Wolfe.
The Goodman Theatre is located at 170 N. Dearborn in Chicago, IL. For more information and tickets, call (312) 443-3800 or visit GoodmanTheatre.org.