This week, City Theatre kicks off its 2005-2006 season with the play Crowns, starring Carnegie Mellon University's very own Khaliah Adams, senior drama major. Crowns, written by Regina Taylor and adapted from the book Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, tells the story of Yolanda, a Brooklyn native. After her brother is killed, Yolanda is sent to the South to live with her grandmother. During her time there, Yolanda learns the traditions of preparing for church service (including the various hats involved) and connects with her history and spirituality. 

Filled with music and "hattitude," Crowns is directed by Timothy Douglass and features local actresses such as Maria Becoates Bey, Etta Cox, Linda Haston, Garbie Dukes, and Khaliah Adams as Yolanda. 

The Carnegie Pulse recently spoke with Khaliah Adams about her experiences with the show.

Carnegie Pulse – How did you get involved with "Crowns"?

Khaliah Adams – At the end of my junior year, Don Wadsworth (voice and speech professor) told us about auditions. He sent three of us out on the audition. They hadn't picked a director yet when we went, so they said they'd call us. They picked a director from New York, and I'm from New York. I auditioned in New York over the summer, and while I was on my way home, I got the call.

CP – Is this your first theatre role outside of CMU (Carnegie Mellon)?

KA – In high school I did television work. This is my first theatre role. I've done commercials, dance-

CP – What kind of dance?

KA – City Centre, Dance Theatre of Harlem.

CP – How has CMU prepared you for working on this show?

KA – They teach us everything. They prepare us a lot; from freshman year we have to do crew, so they teach us everything from backstage stuff to onstage stuff.

CP – You're a senior. Are you taking classes or do you have a semester off?

KA – The theatre works where you work during the day. Right now, we work 12 to 12. Monday is our day off, so on Mondays I take classes. I'm also a Resident Assistant. And I'm in a sorority.

CP – Who do you play in the show?

KA – Yolanda.

CP – Isn't that the lead?

KA – It's very much an ensemble piece. The women are very much telling the story because I've gone through a traumatic time. They're trying to let me know that everything's okay even though I've lost a person very significant in my life.

CP – How has this role challenged you? Has it challenged you?

KA – I think it's all challenging. The most similar thing I have with my character is that we're both from New York. I'm from the Bronx, she's from Brooklyn. I'm an only child, she's got a brother. She doesn't say a lot. It's all a challenge, but it's all extremely fun… I've never had any training in singing except for the shower or at church, so it's been interesting.

CP – Church can be a great training ground.

KA – (laughs) I'm working on it.

CP – What meaning does this show have to you?

KA – If you put God in your life, anything is possible. He'll never put more on you than you can bear.

CP – The website says this show is about "hattitude." Can you explain that?

KA – Every character has a story and their hat tells a story about them. My hat is my brother's hat. Most African-American women wore these hats to church. It goes back to African history, about adorning. It's sacred; it's about adorning the head. It creates who you are as an individual.

CP – What's your favorite hat?

KA – There are so many and they keep changing them. Every time a hat comes out, you go, "Wow, that's amazing!" I don't think I can pick a favorite. There's one man in the play and goes from a fedora to a cowboy. It's an array of hats. A smorgasbord of hats.

CP – Finally, why do you think this is a good show for CMU students to see? What do you hope they take from it?

KA – Good question. CMU students should definitely come to see it because it deals with pressure and hard work, the pressure of being a good student. This will bring you to a higher place where nothing… will be in your path. It's like getting new batteries; you'll be recharged by the end of the show. Timothy Douglass is just amazing. He's opened my eyes to going with impulse and letting go. Can't nobody hold me down, especially with God in my life!

The show runs from September 22, 2005 to October 16, 2005. Students may purchase tickets in advance for $15; all other tickets range from $15-$40. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 412-431-CITY or visit www.citytheatrecompany.org.

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