Joyous cast of ‘Crowns’ lifts up the audience

By Rich Fahey

CAMBRIDGE — One word says it all: “Hattitude.”

Yes, Moonbox Productions’ “Crowns” boasts plenty of gospel music, beautifully performed, often raising the roof of the Arrow Street Arts Theater in Cambridge, but the heart of the piece is the relationship a group of church-going women have with that which adorns their heads.

Those relationships are often joyful, funny, and provocative, but also somber and sad. One thing they never are: Dull.

Regina Taylor’s adaptation of the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry makes sure of that. And while the hats are certainly centerstage thanks to the work of props and costume designers Danielle Ibrahim and E Rosser, it is the stories of those wearing the hats which we’ll remember.

We learn early on that hats are a sign of respect for the churches as well as a status symbol. And while the exquisite headgear is celebrated, “Crowns” is also a nod to African roots and traditions that have become embedded in the Black culture, and each American character in the piece will also portray an African counterpart in several of the musical numbers.

We enter the story via a tough, charismatic young Black woman named Yolanda (Mirrorajah) who, after her brother is killed, is forced to leave her native Brooklyn to go South and live with a church-going aunt. Yolanda’s choice of headgear is a Brooklyn Nets cap, which conflicts with the more traditional look of Mother Shaw (Mildred E. Walker). They struggle to find common ground, a struggle that is at the heart of the piece.

While Walker’s warm, loving Mother Shaw is the matriarch of the piece, overseeing everything, the entire cast will have its time to shine, including Cheryl D. Singleton as Wanda, Lovely Hoffman as Velma, Janelle Grace as Jeanette, Cortlandt Barrett as Mabel  and Kaedon Gray, deftly playing a myriad of male characters. There is no weak link, nor a voice that isn’t strong and true, and together their instruments make a beautiful noise.

One by one, they come forth and tell their stories, and their relationship to their “crowns.”

Director Regine Vital – ably assisted by superb singer/actor Davron S. Monroe — knows when to let the cast and musicians let themselves go and also realizes when the tone shifts abruptly and the call is for subtlety amid the sadness.

In program notes, Vital explained the roles the church-going women of “Crowns” have long filled in Black culture. “Church Ladies are stewards of the community: Grandmas, Aunties and Cousins who hold the congregation together.” She paid tribute to “the divine, indomitable spirit of the Black Queens who birthed us and breathe life into us yesterday, today and tomorrow – always.”

Music director David Coleman, aided by Brandon Mayes on drums, provides a vibrant backdrop to what’s going on onstage, helping to raise the roof when necessary or providing a more somber tone when needed; James Cannon’s sound design makes sure the balance between voices and music is correct.

Isaak Olson’s lighting shifts easily to match the change in tone; set designer Baron S. Pugh’s minimal set allows action to move easily around the stage and choreographer Kurt Douglas gives the cast ample opportunities to strut their stuff.

Kudos to Moonbox for having the dialogue and lyrics projected on screens on both sides of the stage, and allowing sing-alongs thanks to lyrics printed on the hymnal which accompanies the program. Moonbox’s non-profit partner for this show is the women’s shelter Rosie’s Place, and a collection plate will be passed around during the production.

Arrow Street Arts is the former Oberon, which served as the American Repertory Theatre’s second stage. It is comfortable and easy to get to, a short walk from the Harvard station on the MBTA’s Red Line.

On a rainy, cold Sunday afternoon, the cast, musicians and designers of “Crowns” combined to lift an audience out of its seats during a sublime 90-minute journey that both entertained and educated. The cast performed willingly and joyfully, and it shone through and was felt by the audience.

Moonbox Productions’ “Crowns.” Play by Regina Taylor, based on the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. At Arrow Street Arts. 2 Arrow St., Cambridge, through May 4. For more information and tickets, go to moonbox.org.