Oct. 27, 2008
Contact Rick Walters at 608-796-3793 or rhwalters@viterbo.edu
VITERBO UNIVERSITY TO PRESENT VIOLET NOV. 14–15, NOV. 20–23
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Viterbo University will present the powerful musical, Violet, Friday, Nov. 14–Saturday, Nov. 15 and Thursday, Nov. 20–Sunday, Nov. 23 in the Fine Arts Center La Croix Black Box Theatre.
Set in 1964 in the Deep South during the Civil Rights movement, Violet follows the growth and enlightenment of a determined young woman whose face was accidentally scarred by her father. In the hope that a television evangelist can heal her, she embarks on a journey by bus from her sleepy North Carolina town to Oklahoma. Along the way, she meets a young soldier who teaches her about beauty, love, courage, and what it means to be an outsider. This production is intended for mature audiences.
As one of the most acclaimed off-Broadway shows of the 1990s, Violet astounded critics and audiences with its powerful story, its energetic, toe-tapping gospel, rock, country, and rhythm and blues score, and its well-crafted dialogue and lyrics that deal with important and sensitive issues.
Violet was written by Jeanine Tesori (who is perhaps best known for the Broadway musical Thoroughly Modern Millie), with book and lyrics by Brian Crawley. This Viterbo production is directed by Rick Walters, chair of the university theatre department.
Tickets are $10 for general admission seating. For more information, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100.
Violet Cast
Character Name Hometown
Violet Erin Nelson Spring Green, WI
Understudy for Violet Katy Knutson Minnetonka, WI
Flick Lance Newton Las Vegas, NV
Monty Ross Pirsig Albert Lea, MN
Young Violet Laura Savage Las Vegas, NV
Father Ryan Readio Savage, MN
Bus Diver, Preacher, Rufus, Bus Drive4 Matt Barnett Moorehead, MN
Old Lady, ensemble Mary Leigh Snider Milwaukee, WI
Landlady, ensemble Jamaica Steward Minneapolis, MN
Music Hall Singer, ensemble Samantha Pauly Bettendorf, IA
Virgil, Bus Driver 2, Creepy Guy, Gospel Singer 1 Paul Hibbard Richland Center, WI
Gospel Singer 2, ensemble Jill Iverson Minocqua, WI
Billy Dean, ensemble Cameron Meilicke Brookfield, WI
Hotel Singer, ensemble Nicky Hilsen Chicago, IL
Leroy Evans/Earl/Radio Trio Ian Kane Janesville, WI
Waiter, Bus Driver 3, ensemble Seth Locken New Town, ND
Mechanic/Radio Trio Nic Marinucci Calgary, Canada
Radio Soloist (trio) Brian Pekol Rhinelander, WI
Ensemble Sarah Sakalis Las Vegas, NV
Ensemble Sarah Michalski Menomonee, WI
Ensemble Katie Bakalars Fountain City, WI
Ensemble Katy Knutson Minnetonka, WI