An Interview with Andresia Moseley of Crowns

TTB : Why do you think it’s relevant and important that Crowns is composed primarily of African American cast members and artistic team? 

Andresia: It’s representational, it’s important to understand the diversity of this cast because of the necessity to continue to recognize the talent and heritage of the BIPOC communities in the Tampa Bay area. It is existential to witness the relevance of presenting our stories in unity with the other stories commonly told here.  How do you leave out the stories of the communities that make up Florida’s diversity? The short answer: You don’t.  And I would like to see it more than just in February. I hope it continues.

Crowns really draws on a blend between the ancestral and the spiritual identity of being African American. This show allows you to breathe in the spiritual history and feeling of being black, its soul.  

TTB: Crowns is a “moving and celebratory musical play”, can you tell us about the musical elements of the production? 

Andresia: Gospel! Gospel music! The thing about gospel music is that it could be a message, or a passage. Gospel, to this play, is the glue. The gospel music lets you know where these characters are traveling on their path. It can be celebratory or somber, it tells you where they are in their journey throughout the piece. It’s great to work with the band members and musical director because they are doing more than just performing. Everyone’s dedication feels extremely relevant and passionate. Working with this band and musical director, Latoya McCormick is phenomenal. She can play every genre of music and she does it with a passion that infuses what we are singing. Her passion for what she’s playing elevates what the actors are singing which empowers what they are saying. Everything is connected. Latoya is phenomenal because she’s passionate in what she is playing, and she can play and construct any sound, which elevates what we’re singing. The music spans from down home gospel to classical representations of gospel. There is jazzy gospel, more operatic singing, and many varied styles to enjoy in this musical. 

TTB: Tell us about why the hats or “crowns” are significant? 

Andresia: For the characters in the show, their hats represent their personalities and their status. The hat is more than than just a hat, it’s about how this character decided to adorn themselves, it represents where they have been and are on their journey. The hat itself could be a play without the script. 

 TTB: Do you have a favorite moment or scene in the play? 

Andresia: My favorite moment is a scene in the show where the actors are basically kind of reliving a prayer meeting and there is a processional that happens and at the end there is a somewhat improvised celebration. It’s my favorite because it allows us as artists to really tap into the spiritual connection we have at that moment. It’s a moment where all of us as artists are released into our own experience of that moment. It feels very unscripted, it’s a celebration that connects within each artist and it’s beautiful to see. 

TTB: Tell us about the production process and your fellow cast and artistic crew?  

Andresia: Everyone involved in this production has a personal stake in it. What is represented in the show represents some aspect of their lives. Whether it be their lives in the past, or present, all of us can really get involved in what is said and done because we have personal experience with it.

TTB: Crowns has a female- driven cast, what do you find unique and interesting about this play’s perspective on cultural history? (Feminism?) 

Andresia: Two words: Family and friendship. Being in  an all-female cast can sometimes be a petty, diva- driven situation but that is not the case in Crowns. The difference with Crowns is that we are embracing and supportive we all understand the mission. We work with each other in a very powerful, respectful and professional way to achieve that mission. As far as cultural relevance and a message of the power of feminism. The show presents African American women as strong, yet sensitive, vibrant yet with transcending moments of somberness and spirituality. It shows the power of a village of women working together to build up the next generation of women. Director Bob Devin Jones is ancestral. Bob is coming from the perspective, ancestrally, of what Crowns represents. He is history on feet. He is walking, talking, living “us”. He is the cultural expression of our community, providing space for us to be creative and vulnerable. Bob lets you show him what you can do first and then he creates his vision off that. This show is not “in a box”. To Bob, the actors’ instinct truly matters.