February 27, 2006 -

Ottawa -- After smash-hit runs in Winnipeg and Toronto, the National Arts Centre English Theatre is delighted to welcome the amazing company of the Canadian premiere coproduction of Regina Taylor’s Crowns to Ottawa. Adapted from the book of striking photographs of African-American women resplendent in the Sunday millinery, this roof-raising gospel musical will blast the winter blues right out of your soul. Crowns opens in the NAC Theatre on March (Preview on March 1) and runs until March 18, with performances at 19:30 and Saturday matinees on March 4, 11 and 18, and one 12:30 matinee on March 8 for schools and seniors. Tickets are available at the NAC Box Office in person or through Ticketmaster at (613) 755-1111, or online at www.nac-cna.ca through the Ticketmaster link. A surcharge applies to all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

When Yolanda, a young woman from the Bronx, is sent to live with her Grandmother in the southern United States following the gang-related murder of her brother, she becomes part of a community of women who celebrate their blessings, their faith and their hats – their crowning glory. Crowns is a story of faith, love, community and discovering one’s true identity and it is joyously told with soaring gospel music, smile-inducing dance and a rhythmic African beat. With musicians playing live on stage and the talents of some extraordinary singers, the play sweeps you up into a glorious tribute to the women of the deep South and their legendary “hattitude.”

Crowns is directed by Marion J. Caffey and features Musical Direction by e’Marcus Harper, Set and Lighting Design by Dale F. Jordan, Costume Design by Phillip Clarkson, Original Sound Design by Rick Menke, and Percussion and New Percussion Arrangements by Romero Wyatt.

Stirring up the audience with their large than life voices are Toya Alexis, Lisa Bell, Jewelle Blackman, Sterling Jarvis, Bernardine Mitchell, Jackie Richardson and Michelle E. White.

The Stage Manager for this production is Jacqueline Dawson, assisted by Stéfanie Séguin.

Listings info. for the Canadian premiere coproduction of Crowns:

This Canadian premiere coproduction runs March 2 to 18 (Preview March 1) with performances in the NAC Theatre at 19:30 Tuesday through Saturday, and Saturday matinees at 14:00 on March 4, 11 and 18. There is a Schools and Seniors matinee on Wednesday, March 8 at 12:30.

Tickets for Crowns are available at the NAC Box Office in person or through Ticketmaster at (613) 755-1111, and on-line through the Ticketmaster link on the NAC’s web site at www.nac-cna.ca (a service charge applies to all purchases made through Ticketmaster). Students (with a valid student card) may purchase half-price tickets at the NAC Box Office only. Ticket prices are from $28.00 to $61.00. Full-time students ages 13 to 29 should visit the Live Rush™ page online at www.liverush.ca to find out how to obtain Live Rush seats ($10.00) available on a first-come, first-served basis after 18:00 on the day of performance (2hrs. before a matinee performance.)

NEW for 05/06! Groups of 10+ save 15% - 20% off of the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances, to reserve your seats call 947-7000 ext. 384 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca

The CanWest Global Foundation is the proud production sponsor for Crowns.

The NAC English Theatre is pleased to have The Ottawa Citizen as its media partner for the English Theatre Main Stage 2005-2006 Season.

Quick reference listings info.:

• March 2-18 (Preview March 1) No public performances Sundays or Mondays
• NAC Theatre
• 19:30 Tuesday through Saturday; Wednesday matinee for schools and seniors at 12:30, March 8
• Saturday matinees 14:00, March 4,11, 18
• Tickets available at NAC Box Office in person; through Ticketmaster 755-1111 or on-line through Ticketmaster link www.nac-cna.ca
• Tickets from $28.00 to $61.00; Students (with valid student card) may purchase half-price tickets in person at the Box Office.

Other activities related to Crowns are:

• Pre-Show Chat – An informal discussion before the Saturday Matinee performance – Saturday, March 4at 13:00 in the NAC Panorama Room Guest Speaker: Valerie London, Director, Heralds of Hope Gospel Choir
• Thursday Talkbacks – A Post-Performance Question and Answer session with performers - Thursday, March 9 and 16
• NEW! Student Club – Ages 16-22. Friday, March 3. For info. Call Martina Kuska at (613) 947-7000 ext. 522

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For more information contact:
Laura Denker, Publicity and Media Relations Coordinator,
NAC English Theatre
(613) 947 7000 ext. 389;
ldenker@nac-cna.ca

Digital photography: Production images from Crowns will be available for download in digital format (jpeg) at http://www.nac-cna.ca/media Just follow the links to Crowns.