Last Chance

By Daryl H. Miller

Oct. 28, 2004 12 AM PT

“Crowns”: Based on a 2000 book documenting the hats that are such a vibrant part of churchgoing in the African American community, this gospel musical has arrived in the Southland in a spirit-lifting presentation by San Diego Repertory Theatre. Hewing closely to the material recorded by photographer Michael Cunningham and journalist Craig Marberry, actress-playwright Regina Taylor created a show that reveals church hats as powerful symbols. The radiant performances are woven together by director-choreographer Patdro Harris. The hats designed by Jennifer Brawn Gittings are crowns indeed.

Ends Sunday at the Lyceum, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego. (619) 544-1000; www.sandiegorep.com.

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Daryl H. Miller

Daryl H. Miller has been besotted with the arts since age 5, once he was old enough to sing with the church youth choir, and has yet to top the thrill of portraying Billy Bigelow in his rural high school’s production of “Carousel.” He has been covering the arts in Southern California for three decades for the Los Angeles Times, Daily News, LA Weekly, Orange County Register and other publications. He is also a former Times copy editor.

Last Chance

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