Spectrum Theatre Company is preparing for the first production of its 2016 season: CROWNS: A GOSPEL MUSICAL, by Regina Taylor. The show will run for two weeks at Austin Playhouse from March 10th to March 20th, Thursday through Sunday of each week, with a bonus performance during the second week on Wednesday, March 16th, 2016. This award winning musical is centered around the story of a Brooklyn bred, street-tough young woman named Yolonda, who journeys to find heritage, culture and the individual within – but not without the help of a group of well-seasoned church women and their colorfully adorned hats.

“The more I study Africa, the more I see that African Americans do very African things without even knowing it. Adorning the head is one of those things…whether it’s the intricate braids or the distinct hairstyles or the beautiful hats we wear on Sundays. We just know inside that we’re queens. And these are the crowns we wear.” – Yolonda, CROWNS, by Regina Taylor

Spectrum Theatre Company’s production of CROWNS, by Regina Taylor, is under the artistic helm of award winning director, Dr. Marcus McQuirter, and will feature some of Spectrum’s finest musical theater performers, including Janis Stinson, Jacqui Cross, Judy Arnold, Feliz Dia McDonald, Marc Pouhé, and newcomer Rebekka P. Bryant as Yolonda. Joining this powerhouse of musical theater giants is singer/writer Dorothy Mays Clark. The show is under the musical direction of Mattie Robinson.

“CROWNS is an uplifting look at cultural history and a tribute to the fabulous hats worn by African American women. Their hats symbolize defining moments and events experienced by these strong and powerful women. With soulful, spiritual and joyful music, they celebrate family and faith, love and loss, seeking (and finding) one’s true identity.” – Zevents, crownsthegospelmusical.com