IIT and Open Door Repertory Present Crowns

Chicago, IL — January 24, 2008 —

Illinois Institute of Technology’s (IIT) Department of Community Affairs and Outreach Programs and Open Door Repertory Company proudly present Crowns, the moving and joyful musical play that celebrates the faith and strength of African-American women.

Crowns will be performed at Hermann Hall Auditorium on the IIT campus, 3241 S. Federal in Chicago, for four shows only from February 22nd through February 24th.

As written by Regina Taylor, adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, the hats in Crowns become springboards for an exploration of black history and identity as seen through the eyes of a young black woman sent down South from Brooklyn to stay with her grandmother. There is a hat for every occasion, from flirting to churchgoing, from baptisms to funerals. The tradition of hats is traced back to African rituals and slavery and moved forward to the New Testament and current fashion.

Directed by award-winning playwright McKinley Johnson, Open Door’s beautiful production of Crowns was nominated for six Black Theatre Alliance awards. Sold-out houses gave standing ovations at every performance. Most of Open Door’s original cast returns for this great revival.

This production of Crowns is sponsored in part by National City Bank and Siemens Corporation.

Performance Dates and Times

Friday, February 22, 2008 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 23, 2008, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 5 p.m.

Founded in 1890, IIT is a  PhD.-granting university with more than 7,300 students in engineering, sciences, architecture, psychology, design, humanities, business, and law. IIT's interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum is designed to advance knowledge through research and scholarship, to cultivate inventions that improve the human condition, and to prepare students from throughout the world for a life of professional achievement, service to society, and individual fulfillment. Visit www.iit.edu.