Lovers of storytelling, gospel music, and community are in for a treat this upcoming weekend. The musical “Crowns” will be presented at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center this Saturday and Sunday, in celebration of Juneteenth.
The story follows that of a young woman from New York, Yolanda, who travels South to stay with family after tragedy strikes. While staying with her grandmother, Mother Shaw, she is exposed to stories from the women in Mother Shaw’s circle who provide her with a new perspective on community and her own history.
The “crowns” to which the title alludes are not those of royalty. Rather, the crowns in the story are the hats who adorn ladies in the church. The story uses these very personal hats as a vehicle to explore the history of African American women through a collection of stories and songs. For this production, the hats used were loaned by the cast and other supportive members of the community, which lends to their authenticity and reinforces the message of their significance.
“These hats are intricate, and they’re beautiful, and we wear them with a sense of pride,” says Michelle Allison, who is directing and producing the play. She wanted to do something to celebrate Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans in the United States.
“It’s about love, it’s about togetherness,” said Allison. “There’s just something about women, when they wrap themselves around a young lady, and share stories to uplift her and give a history about who we are as African American women, and what that means.”
Allison had previously performed in a production of “Crowns” in Sonora, where it was met with sold-out shows and an extended run to meet the demand for tickets.
While the characters and stories shared in “Crowns” are those of African American women, it has something to offer audiences of all backgrounds.
“This has a story for everyone,” said Dr. Ericka Lynn Peterson, who will be playing Jeanette, one of the six women who tell their stories. “It gives you a historical perspective, and insight into the African American family and the black church.”
Audiences can expect a performance filled with laughter, music, and history, and should prepare to be moved.
“I think everyone will leave with this new perspective — a wonderful perspective — of the story that we’re trying to share,” said Peterson. “It touches the heart and soul of everyone.”
The show will be performed on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for children 12 and under, $10 for children 13-17, $15 for seniors, and $20 for adults.
Cast: Niecy Irby as Velma, Renee Levine-Christian as Wanda, Loretta Spence as Mother Shaw, Edgar Lacey as The Man, Dasia Intil as Yolanda, Dr. Ericka L. Peterson is Jeanette, Michelle W. Allison as Mabel. Musical Director: Dennis Brown. Directed and Produced by Michelle Allison.
Sponsorship is provided by Dignity Health, Merced College, Tim O’Neil, Sam Traina, Steve Russo, Nancy Redding, Ellen Steward, and Marvin and Judy Williamson.