CCU Department of Theatre presents musical 'Violet'
"Violet," with music by Jeanine Tesori and story and lyrics by Brian Crawley, tells the story of a girl's journey across the deep South in 1964 in search of the healing touch of a TV evangelist who she hopes will transform her scarred face. However, the trip evolves into a journey of discovery and self-realization.
"Violet," with music by Jeanine Tesori and story and lyrics by Brian CrThe performance schedule is as follows:
- Thursday, Oct. 19, through -Saturday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 25-, through Friday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 28, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Nominated for a Tony Award in 2014 and based on the short story "The Ugliest Pilgrim" by Doris Betts, "Violet" follows the protagonist on her journey as she meets a young soldier whose love for her reaches far past her physical "imperfections," and she discovers the true meaning of beauty. The CCU production is directed by Adam Pelty, assistant professor of theatre, and fFeaturesing show-stopping anthems grounded in the American roots of folk, bluegrass and gospel, the CCU production is directed by Adam Pelty, assistant professor of theatre.
"''Violet' is evocative of so much that's happening in our time today," said Pelty. "It's a story about race;, it's a story about self-realization in a tumultuous world. There are also elements of comedy, and, as a musical, there are gospel numbers, country, honky-tonk, rock - big, rompin', foot-stompin' numbers. But really, it's about this girl and her journey toward her own self-realization. She's someone who is looking for a miracle, for divine intervention, when she actually comes to the realization that the divinity is inside of herself - that her faith is her."
The cast includes musical theater majors Sophie Goron, a junior from Laurel, Md., as Violet; Wes Williams, a senior from Elgin, as Monty; Terrell Jones, a senior from Philadelphia, Pa., as Flick; and Phillip Rast, a senior rom Effingham, as Father. Blakeley Ellis, a guest artist from Myrtle Beach, plays the part of Young Violet.
The ensemble cast includes Gavin Carnahan, from McKeesport, Pa.; Guy Bannister, a junior from Alabaster, Ala.; Brett Klock, a junior from Bel Air, Md.; Brooke Bloomquist, a junior from Riva, Md.; Arianna Hardaway, a freshman from Conyers, Ga.; Sarah Parker, a senior from Myrtle Beach; Princess Shropshire, a sophomore from Lancaster; Hannah Wilson, a sophomore from Vancouver, Wash.; Bryce Ridley-Williams, a sophomore from Virginia Beach, Va.; Brennon Meinhold, a freshman from Saginaw, Mich.; Emily Dye, a freshman from Frisco, Tex.as; and Kevin Arnold, a freshman from North. Augusta, S.C.
The assistant director is Emma VandeVelde, a junior from Charlotte, N.C.; the production stage manager is Makenzie Owens, a junior from Blythewood;, and the production assistant is Jala Bennett, a sophomore from Columbia.
The production contains content that may be inappropriate for children. Parental discretion is advised.
General admission is $17. Senior citizens, OLLI members, CCU alumni, teens, and CCU/HGTC faculty and staff are $12. Children and CCU/HGTC students are $7 with student identification.
Upcoming CCU Department of Theatre productions include Timberlake Wertenbaker's drama "Our Country's Good" in November and Woody Allen's "Bullets oOver Broadway" in February.
The Edwards Theatre is located in the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts at 133 Chanticleer Drive W. on the Conway campus. Parking is available in lots directly adjacent near the back of the building or in J lot near the Singleton building. Visit www.coastal.edu/aboutccu/campusmap.
For tickets or for more information, call the Wheelwright Box Office at 843-349-ARTS (2787) or visit coastal.edu/culturalarts. The Wheelwright Box Office is located at 108 Spadoni Park Circle on the Conway campus, and hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.