VIOLET
Area Premiere
March 9 – 31, 2001 – Bryant Lake Bowl Cabaret Theater
Music – Jeanine Tesori
Book and Lyrics – Brian Crawley
Violet tells the extraordinary tale of a young woman’s cross-country bus pilgrimage in search of a televangelist she believes can remove a disfiguring facial scar. Her physical and spiritual quest leads to self-healing and the realization of a life she dreamed was only possible with a “perfect” face. One of the most acclaimed off-Broadway shows of the past decade, Violet astounded critics and audiences alike with its powerful story and its energetic, toe-tapping Gospel, Rock, Country, and Rhythm and Blues score. Violet was winner of the 1997 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.
Director – Steven Meerdink
Musical Director – Kevin Hansen
photo credit: Roy Blakey
Cast
Violet – Suzanne Reyburn
Flick – David B. Young
Monty – Brad Bone
Young Violet – Maureen O’Shaunessy
Father – Alan Sorenson
Preacher / Bus Driver / Ensemble – Paul Reyburn
Lula / Landlady / Ensemble – Kathleen Hardy
Old Woman / Hotel Singer / Ensemble – Susan Nickel
Music Hall Singer / Mabel / Ensemble – Heidi Berg
LeRoy Evans / Earl / Ensemble – Steven Todd Schmidt
Virgil / Waiter / Ensemble – Kevin Hansen
Musicians
Katie Hoody (Piano)
Chris Houston (Percussion)
Reviews and Quotes
“The Minneapolis Musical Theatre has pulled off a minor theatrical miracle with its staging of Violet. …A surprisingly engaging evening of theater [with] a friendly cast, brimming with vim and sincerity.” –Minneapolis Star Tribune