Hi, I’m Having Company Tonight And I Can’t Get My Patio Umbrella To Open, When I Turn The Crank It Siezes Up

Okay you have a classic Almond Umbrella pulley snag.
First try cranking it in reverse to unsnag it. Then attempt to go in the correct direction again. Also try having someone “aid” the unbrella’s opening action while you turn the crank. Good luck!