LSU Theatre is reliving the sights and sounds of the 60s with the first musical of the spring semester.
“Violet” is based on the short story “The Ugliest Pilgrim” by Doris Betts. Set in the south in 1964, the story is about a young woman named Violet with a disfigured face. She decides to travel cross-country to visit a televangelist to heal her scar. Along the way, she meets two soldiers — one black, one white — and each fall in love with her.
The trip also leads her to find faith in herself, and realize that it is the journey, not the destination, that counts.
The musical, written by Brian Crawley with music by Jeanine Tesori, is directed by LSU professor Jennifer Cavenaugh.
“A lot of us have scars, they just don’t show on the outside,” Cavenaugh said. “We carry them with us, and we try to find some way to heal them. Her scar is on the outside. Even though Violet has a scar, the actress doesn’t. Some people are confused by that, but women aren’t. They see imperfections others don’t see.”
Cavenaugh has been waiting for an opportunity to direct “Violet” for a long time.
“It’s a play I saw when it first came out,” she said. “The composer is a friend of mine, and I loved it when I saw it. I wanted an opportunity to direct it.”
The 18-member cast, who have been busy rehearsing since Jan. 5, includes Sarah Jane Johnson (Violet), Hunter Robertson (Monty), Andrew P. Johnson III (Flick), Luke Siddall (Father), and Maggie Joyner (Young Violet).
The music, under the direction of Terry Byars, travels through many different styles, including classical, rock, country, and gospel.
“It’s just fun having all these different styles [of music] and the movement that goes with it,” Cavenaugh said. “The play’s always in motion, you’re never in one place for long — it keeps barreling forward. I think people will enjoy it. We’re having a blast.”
“Violet” runs Feb. 11 to 14, 17 to 19 and 26 to 28, at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 15 and 29 at 2 p.m. Performances will be held at the Shaver Theatre in the LSU Music and Dramatic Arts Building. Tickets are $8.50 for students, $13.50 for LSU faculty/staff and senior citizens, and $15.50 for adults. Discounts are available in advance for groups of 10 or more.
Tickets and more information are available at 225-578-3527 or http://www.theatre.lsu.edu.