Hello all! For this week, we'll be looking at a stage show I was privy to recently, the Hendrix College Players production of the musical Violet by Jeanin Tesori and Brian Crawley. Let's dive right in, shall we?
PLOT AND MUSIC:
Violet concerns a young woman, the titular Violet, who was horribly disfigured in an accident during her childhood years. This accident has left her with a scar that runs from her nose across her left cheek. In order to free herself of this social stigma, she ventures cross-country in a greyhound bus in the summer of 1967 to find a famous faith healer who she believes will be able to free her from her ugliness. Along the way, she makes friends with two young men who are in the military. One, Flick, is an officer but African-American, and relates to being judged based upon appearances. The other, Monty, is a smooth talking womanizing type who is friends with Flick. A romance springs up between the two boys and Violet, while Violet is forced to re-examine her idealistic view of the world.
The plot, as it stands, moves along quite briskly, and the musical numbers tend to flow organically from the book. The romantic subplot was a tad abrupt, but much less more so than some big broadway shows. In addition, the themes of acceptance and faith are dealt with in a way that is both mature, and not at all overly simple. Certainly, it ends on an uplifting note, but it's an earned happy ending.
The music is energetic, catchy and surprisingly complex jumping from traditional ballads, to gospel, to country and then back again. Of special note is the first number aboard the bus "On My Way" which seems to be the most popular song from the musical.
CAST:
The cast is energetic, if not always the pleasantest of singers. The young woman playing Violet acts the part well, although her voice is definitely stronger in her lighter head register than in her chest voice. Young Violet has a stronger voice, and joyously plays up her youthful exuberance. Flick possibly has one of the weaker voices of the three central characters, but ably balances the humor and angst of his own personal character arc. Monty has the strongest singing voice, but his southern accent fades in and out at times, and nearly disappears when singing, but he is able to give the vulgar playboy a softer side that comes out occasionally. Violet's father, appearing in flashbacks is wonderfully cast, with a gorgeous baritone voice and an alternatingly crotchety and tender demeanor. Highlights among the ensemble include a talkative busybody Violet meets on the bus, and an outrageously hammy faith healer who steals the show.
PRODUCTION DESIGN:
The costumes are nothing special to mention. Serviceable and well informed 60's style fashion. The set is beautifully decked out in wooden platforms and wall hangings which convey a down home country feeling, while the lights are used at times to bathe the set in color for mystical effect. A revolving turntable is used to switch between the simple bus set, several chairs arranged in line, and a multitude of other places suggested by a bed, a hanging sheet.
FINAL WORD:
A competent and very fun production, aside from some issues with singing, it is obvious that these performers put a lot of energy into this production. A definite A + effort!
To all you out there in the sea of the internet, I'm the Eternal Optimist!
Happy Thoughts!
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