Playwright Regina Taylor's latest work, Crowns, will kick off the 2002-03 season of Off-Broadway's Second Stage Nov. 13 and officially open Dec. 3.

Broadway favorite Lillias White headlines the staging, based on the book by photographer Michael Cunningham and journalist Craig Marberry — a volume of photos of African-American women in their Sunday church hats.

The new play features gospel music. Also in the cast are Lawrence Clayton, Carmen Ruby Floyd, Harriett D. Foy, Lynda Gravatt, Ebony Jo-Ann and Janet Hubert. Taylor also directs.

Taylor is the author of many plays, including Escape from Paradise, Urban Zulu Mambo and Drowning Crow. But she has yet to score a major success with her writing efforts and remains better known for her acting. She appeared on Second Stage as a performer in Jar the Floor and starred in the television series "I'll Fly Away."

Second Stage is located at the corner of 43rd Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. For information, call (212) 246-4422 or (800) 766-6048. Visit the Second Stage website at www.secondstagetheatre.com.