When entering City Theatre's lobby between now and October 16, expect to be greeted by a large display of beautiful and extravagant hats. Each hat, which you can try on and purchased on the spot, has a personality all of its own, a story just waiting to come out.

The personalities and stories of hats are what make up Crowns, the play by Regina Taylor that is currently running at City Theatre. Based on the book of the same title written by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, the show highlights the value of the "crown," otherwise known as the hat, in southern African American communities. Through short monologues and skits, the audience gets a lesson in the culture, etiquette, and history surrounding head coverings.

The plot of Crowns is simple enough: Brooklyn girl Yolanda, played by Carnegie Mellon senior Khaliah Adams (see "Student Stars in City Theatre Play"), loses her brother in a gun shooting incident. As a result, her mother sends her away to live in South Carolina with her grandmother and friends, who use stories about their hats to help Yolanda cope with her situation and grow from it. However, the stories go beyond just speaking about a head adornment; each hat holds a very personal tale, sometimes of comedy, sometimes of sorrow, but always of strength.  

Staged in a thrust setting, with the audience on three sides of the stage, the set displayed a basic white church setting, complete with pews and gospel musicians. The set, designed by Tony Ferrieri, makes it seem as if the audience is watching a church service with short vignettes instead of sermons. Each woman speaks as if she is telling a story to loved ones rather than to an audience. Timothy Douglas' staging places us in the same spot as Yolanda, allowing us to hear the tales in a similar manner to her.

With a smooth urban flow and a level of sass far grander than her body, Adams brings life to the grief-stricken Yolanda. With a confidence and a crown of her own (a ball cap), Adams achieves a realistic balance between Yolanda's New York flare and her Southern exposure, all while remaining attentive to the knowledge she is receiving from others.

While Adams holds her own, the grandmother and friends are what really make this show special. As Mother Shaw, Avery Sommers brings a regal grace to the stage. Her friends each provide their own zest to the show as well. Etta Cox, who plays Wanda, wittily informs everyone of the proper way to wear a hat, what to do is someone is wearing your hat, and her least favorite hat (which happens to be made of a dead fox). Velma, played by Maria Becoates Bey, flaunts her sense of humor at the beginning of the play, but then becomes more somber as she addresses the role of hats in funerals. Igna Ballard and Linda Haston, who play Mabel and Jeannette, respectively, bring a distinct presence to the show that adds to its appeal. As the preacher's wife, Ballard painted a picture of what being a strong woman means. Haston's story of a hat that caused her father to think of her deceased mother was one of the more touching moments of the night.

Gabriel Dukes, who bears the responsibility of playing every male role in the show, should also not be forgotten. Dukes switches with ease from preacher to husband to brother, all with the change of a hat.

Described by the program as "a play with music," Crowns certainly does not fit into any of the typical theatrical classifications. Music plays in the background for most of the show, and the actors do break out into song, but the occurrence is not nearly enough to call it a musical. Trying to come up with a more precise description for this play like trying to overanalyze it for double meanings and undertones; accepting the simplest answer proves to be the best course of action. Besides, thinking about it too hard would cause one to miss the powerful vocal talent of the entire cast. Instead, it is best just to sit back and allow yourself to be moved.

Students and those 25 and younger can reserve $15 tickets for Crowns in advance. Tickets range in price from $15 - $40. Crowns will be at the City Theatre until October 16, and there is at least one show every Tuesday through Sunday. For more information about City Theatre and Crowns, visit http://www.citytheatrecompany.org/.

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