Violet

Ages: 15+
Opened: March 11, 1997
Closing: April 06, 1997

Violet - 1997 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Playwrights Horizons
416 West 42nd St.(between 9th & 10th Aves) New York, NY 10036

Based on The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts

Set in 1964 in the Deep South during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement, strongVIOLET/strong

follows the growth and enlightenment of a bitter young woman

accidentally scarred by her father. In hopes that a TV evangelist can

cure her, she embarks on a journey by bus from her sleepy North

Carolina town to Oklahoma. Along the way, she meets a young black

soldier who teaches her about beauty, love, courage and what it means

to be an outsider. brbrOne of the most acclaimed off-Broadway shows of the ?90s, strongVIOLET/strong

astounded critics and audiences with its powerful story, its energetic,

toe-tapping Gospel, Rock, Country, and Rhythm and Blues score by a href="http://mtishows.com/biography.asp?writerid=3343"Jeanine Tesori/a, and its well-crafted book and lyrics by a href="http://mtishows.com/biography.asp?writerid=3237"Brian Crawley/a

that are not afraid to deal with important, sensitive issues. Its

simple set and modest cast and orchestra requirements adjust to any

scale production. strongVIOLET /strongfeatures a strong ensemble cast with bravura roles for the two leads.

Violet - 1997 - Off-Broadway Cast

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David Harbour, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ann Dowd, and Denis O'Hare to Perform in Signature Theatre Reading of Sam Shepard's TRUE WEST
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2023

Signature Theatre today will present an all-star benefit reading of Sam Shepard’s contemporary classic True West, led by acclaimed actors Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear, Girls) as Austin, David Harbour (Stranger Things, Black Widow) as Lee, Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale, Compliance) as Mom, and Denis O’Hare (American Horror Story, True Blood) as Saul.

Barrington Stage Company to Present BSC in NYC Gala at The Green Room 42
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2023

Join in for the Barrington Stage Company's BSC in NYC Gala on October 30 at The Green Room 42. Celebrate with renowned musician Billy Stritch and his talented friends in an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment.

Brian Thomas Abraham, Jennifer Apple & More to Star in THE BAND'S VISIT at The Huntington Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2023

Find out who will be starring in and behind the scenes of 'The Band's Visit,' the highly anticipated musical coming to the Huntington Theatre in Boston this November.

Maude Maggart to Present New Show HERE COME THE DREAMERS at Birdland
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2023

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the singular cabaret artist Maude Maggart in the premiere of her new show “Here Come the Dreamers” on Monday, October 16 at 7:00 PM.

Meet the Queens of DRAG RACE ITALIA Season Three
by Michael Major - Sep 18, 2023

The show also debuted the brand new soundtrack for the series featuring previously unreleased song, “The Queens” by Paola Iezzi who, together with Paolo Camilli, Chiara Francini and Drag Queen Priscilla make up the judging panel for this season. The song was written by Paola Iezzi and Johannes Willinder.

CINDY & THE DISCO BALL Starring Saylor Bell Curda Will Open at The Garry Marshall Theatre Next Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 16, 2023

This retro retelling of the Cinderella story whisks us back to the sun-kissed days and lava lamp lit nights of 1976 with an original musical score that blends the sounds of disco rhythms and Broadway musical magic.

Birdland to Present AMANDA GREEN & FRIENDS Featuring Jenn Colella, Jarrod Spector, Jade Jones & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 11, 2023

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present two-time Tony-nominated and Grammy-nominated songwriter and performer Amanda Green on Monday, October 9 at 7:00 PM.

Bill Russell to Present MY SIDE OF THE SHOW at Birdland
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 16, 2023

Join Bill Russell in 'My Side of the Show' at Birdland as he delves into the captivating world of the Broadway musical 'Side Show.' Experience the magic and artistry of this beloved production in a unique concert setting. Don't miss this unforgettable exploration of one of Broadway's most cherished musicals.

David Cale, Les Waters, Ryan J. Haddad & More to Take Part in Berkeley Rep's 2023 Ground Floor Program
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 14, 2023

Get a glimpse into the future of theater as Berkeley Rep announces the talented participants joining The Ground Floor program for 2023. From emerging artists to rising stars, explore the innovative works and fresh voices shaping the industry.

1776 Comes to Kansas City at Starlight Theatre This Month
by Stephi Wild - Jul 12, 2023

Prepare to party like it’s 1776 with a witty retelling of our founding fathers' stories and how our great nation came to be! This production was developed and premiered by the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University before playing on Broadway with Roundabout Theatre Company at the American Airlines Theatre.

Billy Crudup to Reprise His Role in HARRY CLARKE at Berkeley Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 11, 2023

Emmy and Tony Award winner Billy Crudup will reprise his award–winning role in David Cale’s Harry Clarke, performing at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre (2015 Addison St., Berkeley) November 15–December 23, 2023. 

Taylor Mac to Headline Barrington Stage Company's 2023 Gala: A NIGHT AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 25, 2023

Barrington Stage Company has announced Gala 2023: A NIGHT AT THE KIT KAT CLUB on Monday, July 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the Stationery Factory in Dalton, MA.

Review: SIDE SHOW at Theatre Harrisburg
by Andrea Stephenson - Apr 29, 2023

Side Show wows audiences with its incredible music and complex story that is filled with both triumphs and heartache. This production is larger than life, engaging the senses and drawing the audience into the riveting story. The cast is simply incredible. Theatre Harrisburg’s production of Side Show is thought-provoking and hauntingly beautiful.

Review: VIOLET at The Kranzberg Blackbox
by James Lindhorst - Apr 7, 2023

While the source material is subpar, director Bekah Harbison uses simple staging with minimal set pieces to focus the audience on the relationships between the characters. Through her collaboration with her actors, she extracts committed and emotional performances out of each member of the cast. Her blocking, coupled with Mary Fedak’s choreography, uses every inch of the floor (stage) in the theater adding to the intimacy of her vision. There are moments when the entire company fills the full performance space, and it almost seems uncomfortably cramped. There may have been an opportunity to edit and think through the limitations of the space and the number of chorus members used in some of the larger numbers.

Blue Metropolis Celebrates 25 Years Of Literature In All Its Forms, April 27-30
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 5, 2023

The future of the planet, of democracy and identities, of languages and people, and of our imaginations: this is the theme of the 2023 edition of the Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival, gearing up to celebrate 25 years.

Blue Metropolis Celebrates 25 Years Of Literature In All Its Forms, April 27-30
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 16, 2023

The future of the planet, of democracy and identities, of languages and people, and of our imaginations: this is the theme of the 2023 edition of the Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival, gearing up to celebrate 25 years. It all kicks off online starting April 12, and culminates in a massive in-person program from April 27 to 30 in Montreal, at beautiful Hotel 10.

Graham Phillips & Krystina Alabado to Star in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 12, 2023

Pasadena Playhouse has announced the cast for Sunday in the Park with George, the first production of the theater’s six-month-long celebration of Stephen Sondheim. See performances dates and how to purchase tickets!

VIOLET to Open at Live Arts Theater in November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 19, 2022

Live Arts Theater's 2022/23 Transformations Season journeys forward with the award-winning musical VIOLET. This soaring musical pilgrimage features music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics and book by Brian Crawley. VIOLET will have 12 performances in the Gibson Theater, November 18 through December 10, 2022.

BLUE MAN GROUP Celebrates 25 Years in Chicago With Special Birthday Performance Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2022

Blue Man Group, the critically hailed theatrical phenomenon with an open run at Chicago's Briar Street Theatre, will celebrate 25 years in Chicago with a variety of special offers available throughout the month of October including a celebratory birthday performance Thursday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m.

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Announces Lineup for 31st Edition
by Michael Major - Sep 20, 2022

Screenings will kick off with the Opening Night presentation of Mark Fletcher’s Patrick and the Whale, followed by the Centerpiece Selections of Ben Klein and Violet Columbus’ The Exiles and Shaunak Sen’s All That Breathes, with Kathlyn Horan’s The Return of Tanya Tucker – Featuring Brandi Carlile screening on Closing Night.

Steppenwolf Announces 2022/23 Season Featuring 4 World Premieres & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 19, 2022

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has announced the 2022/23 Season today. With six Steppenwolf Membership Series productions and two SYA productions, the 47th season is the storied company’s first full season in its expanded home—welcoming audiences back to experience the next chapter of Steppenwolf’s bold, visceral and muscular work.

White Plains Performing Arts Center to Stage SIDE SHOW
by Marissa Tomeo - Apr 8, 2022

The White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) is proud to announce its upcoming Mainstage production of SIDE SHOW, playing April 22 – May 8. From the composer of Dreamgirls comes a remarkable, true story of famed entertainers and twins, Violet and Daisy Hilton, who became famous during the 1930’s. SIDE SHOW is a moving portrait of two women whose bond brings them the spectacle of fame, but denies them true love and acceptance.

Broadway Actors in THE GILDED AGE & How You Know Them
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Meet all of the Broadway actors in THE GILDED AGE! The new series features appearances by Audra McDonald, Denée Benton, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Kelli O'Hara, Carrie Coon, Claybourne Elder, Donna Murphy, Katie Finneran, Debra Monk, Taylor Richardson, Douglas Sills, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Patrick Page, Michael Cerveris, and more.

BWW Review: SIDE SHOW at The Henegar Center
by Joseph Harrison - Oct 17, 2021

In today’s society, when someone is born with a birth defect, has an unusual look or is simply unlike most others, we use our understanding of science and a myriad of protections and laws to ensure those individuals receive equal treatment. They have the opportunity (and right) to live their life in the same way as those born without disability or disfigurement. But that has not always been the case. People born in eras past with even minor physical or mental deformities were labeled “freaks” and consigned to live in the shadows, or in many cases, in the spotlight of the circus side show. But underneath the bearded lady’s beard or the wolf boy’s “fur” was always a living, breathing human being, with real emotions, needs, and dreams. And many of their stories have been lost to history. But not so for the story of the Hilton sisters, as told in Bill Russell and Henry Krieger’s musical SIDE SHOW, currently playing at The Henegar Center in Melbourne, FL.

Virtual Theatre This Week: June 21-27, 2021- with Kate Reinders, Amanda Kloots, and More!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 21, 2021

This week (June 21-28) in live streaming: Kate Reinders, Amanda Kloots and Jennifer Nettles visit Backstage Live, Fredi Walker-Browne shares Ten Minute Tidbits, a Kerry Butler masterclass, Tovah Feldshuh in Becoming Dr. Ruth, and so much more!

Violet FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Water in the Well
Surprised
On My Way
M&Ms
Luck of the Draw
Question & Answer
All to Pieces
A Healing Touch
Let It Sing
Who'll Be the One (If Not Me)
You're Different
Lonely Stranger
Anyone Would Do
Lay Down Your Head
Hard to Say Goodbye
Promise Me, Violet
Raise Me Up
Down the Mountain
Look at Me
That's What I Could Do
Bring Me to Light
Water In The Well
Surprised
On My Way
M&M's
Luck of the Draw
Question 'n' Answer
All To Pieces
Let It Sing
Anyone Would Do
Who'll Be The One (If Not Me)
Last Time I Came To Memphis
Lonely Stranger
Lay Down Your Head
Anyone Would Do (Reprise)
Hard To Say Goodbye
Promise Me, Violet
Raise Me Up
Down The Mountain
In The Chapel
Raise Me Up (Reprise)
Look At Me
That's What I Could Do
Surprised (Reprise)
Promise Me, Violet (Reprise)
Bring Me To The Light
Violet has had 4 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 1997, Off-Broadway which opened in 1997, Broadway which opened in 2014 and West End which opened in 2019.
Violet has been nominated for several awards. These include Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Director - Musical for Susan H. Schulman at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Lyrics for Brian Crawley at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Music for Jeanine Tesori at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding New Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Orchestration for Joseph Joubert at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Orchestration for Buryl Red at the Drama Desk Awards, Best Off Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Musical for Playwrights Horizons at The Lortels, Outstanding Musical for Ira Weitzman at The Lortels, and Outstanding Musical for Jeanine Tesori (associate producer) at The Lortels.
Violet has won several awards, including Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. The show also received Outstanding Director - Musical for Susan H. Schulman, Outstanding Lyrics for Brian Crawley, and Outstanding Music for Jeanine Tesori at the Drama Desk Awards. Violet was recognized as Outstanding New Musical and received Outstanding Orchestration awards for both Joseph Joubert and Buryl Red at the Drama Desk Awards. Additionally, the show won Best Off Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and Outstanding Musical at The Lortels, with awards going to Playwrights Horizons, Ira Weitzman, and Jeanine Tesori (associate producer).

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