Violet

November 18-21, 2020

Does one's physical appearance have an effect on how we see ourselves and how we, the society at large, see and treat others? The musical, Violet explores the feelings associated with being and living life as an "other" within an environment that promotes societal normalcy and uniformity.

Violet, a musical by Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley, tells the story of a disfigured farm girl who buses through the segregated American South in 1964 to be healed by an evangelical TV preacher in Tulsa. Violet takes place just weeks after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the groundbreaking federal law that outlaws discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. America in 1964 is a country blighted and ugly, wearing its own scars of racism, bigotry, poverty, and social and economic injustice. By setting the plot in this particular era, the musical is given an elaborate historical context for the characters to exist in, enabling the story’s theme of discrimination to expand beyond Violet’s scar.

Dreaming of her brand new face, with Grace Kelly’s nose and Ingrid Bergman’s cheekbones, gives Violet the courage to take the first step on her journey. Director, Aaron Brown says, “Over the course of her journey, Violet comes to terms with her wounds—both internal and external—and understands the true power of love and forgiveness.” Using country, folk, bluegrass, blues and gospel styles, Jeanine Tesori has composed a score faithful to Violet’s rural roots and simple faith. Although she may not succeed in having her outer scar healed, Violet is able to repair those scars that are lying deeper than her skin. Violet is a powerhouse piece of theatre that needs no more than a few chairs, suitcases and a group of 11 talented storytellers to take the audience on a cross-country road trip.

Violet will be presented to a live audience and via online live-streaming by Sam Houston State University’s Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre November 18-21, 2020. Live performances run November 18-21, 2020 with 7:30 p.m. showings each evening as well as a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee option. Online stream options will be available starting November 19. Violet is directed by Aaron Brown.

Violet will be presented to a live audience in the Erica Starr Theatre and via online live-streaming by Sam Houston State University’s Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre.  Live performances run November 18-21, 2020 with 7:30 p.m. showings each evening as well as a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee option.  Streaming performances available Nov 19-21, 2020. Please visit www.shsutickets.com for details.                               

For ticketing questions, please email the box office at tickets@shsu.edu or call us at 936-294-2339. Streaming platform hosted by ShowTix4U.com. 

ARTISTIC STAFF

Music Director: Dr. Laura Avery
Associate Music Director:, Bryan Banowetz
Choreographer: Kyle Craig-Bogard
Costume Designer: Kristina Hanssen
Sound Designer: Isaiah Parnell
Assistant Sound Designer: Juanita Salazar (Junior, Design & Tech Major)
Scenic Design: Nicholas Graves
Lighting Design: Eric Marsh

PRODUCTION STAFF

Stage Manager Phoebe Gillies (Sophomore, Theatre Studies major)
Assistant Stage Managers, Javon Rougley (Sophomore, Theatre Education major), Reese Reynolds (Junior Theatre Education major), Chance Caldwell (Senior , Theatre Education major)
Technical Director, Craig Brossman
Costume Shop Supervisor, George Curry
Theatre Manager, Katie Prior
Box Office Manager, James Shields
Production Coordinator, Bill Thomas 
Poster Design, Veronica Laza
Publicity Photography, Danny Moore (Junior, Musical Theatre major) & Cara DeGaish (Freshman, Musical Theatre Major)

ORCHESTRA

Conductor, Dr. Laura Avery
Keyboard 1, Bryan Banowetz
Keyboard 2, Jonathan Craft
Drums, Dr. Luke Hubley
Bass, Steve Martin
Guitar 1, Frank DeBretti
Guitar 2, George Heathco
Violin, Zach Montasser
Cello, Ed Harper