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Basis
Violet is based on the short story, The Ugliest Pilgrim by the famous writer, Doris Betts. The musical sheds light on the life of a young woman named violet and her quest to heal her disfigured face. With its fresh approach, the musical attempts to interpret abstract topics and guides the audiences through its vivid storyline. Uplifting musical numbers add beauty and liveliness to the plot, making it enjoyable for the attendees.
Premiere and Critical Reception
One of the experimental theatrical plays of the 90s, Violet made its Off-Broadway debut at the Playwrights Horizons in March 1997 and ran through April 1997. This limited engagement was directed by the theater genius, Susan H. Schulman while Kathleen Marshall choreographed the musical. Beautiful lyrics and book were written by Brian Crawley while the attractive score was produced by the Drama Desk winning musician, Jeanine Tesori.
The musical was well received, especially by the critics, who loved the bracing stage elements of the show. The production was also nominated for several Drama Desk Awards and won a New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical. In 2003, the original cast members performed the musical during a reunion concert at the Playwrights Horizon. On July 17, 2013, a one-night performance of the musical was held at the New York City Center’s Encores!
The Creative Crew
The current production of the Violet is directed and choreographed by multiple award winning, Jeff Calhoun. Calhoun is a renowned theatre veteran and is famous for his acclaimed projects like Big River, Newsies, Sleeping Beauty Wakes, Emma and Oliver!. With his fine artistry, he rejuvenates the spirit of the musical and makes it more appealing. Jay Crowder directs the music and beautifies Tesori’s original score with his innate music sense.
About the Venue
Violet will be performed at the Ford’s Theater, Washington. Serving as one of the finest educational and performing arts facilities, Ford’s has an impressive history of decades-long staging. With its various creative programs, the theater not only provides multiple services to its locals but also to the people from around the US. Its eclectic repertoire includes some of the most famous plays and musicals that have entertained the residents as well as the visitors.
Some of the prominent productions by the theater include A Christmas Carol, To Kill a Mockingbird, Big River, Leading Lady, One Destiny and numerous others. Since its foundation in 1968 to present, Ford’s has maintained a reputation of being one of the leading educational and entertainment facilities of the country. Ford’s Theater has been honored with the National Medal of Arts among other prestigious awards for its remarkable contribution to the culture and theater of the country.
An Evocative Experience
An ingeniously woven plot and the engaging musical numbers combined with moving acting pieces make Violet a complete theatrical experience for the attendees. The recent buzz and hype of the musical has made the Violet tickets sell fast as it will be performed for a limited run. Don’t miss the chance to experience this affecting yet entertaining musical.