North Carolina's PlayMakers Repertory Theatre closes the Jeanine Tesori-Brian Crawley musical Violet May 16. Previews began April 21 for an opening April 24. Lori Fischer (Cowgirls) stars as Violet, a role she previously played at Kansas's One Stage Jan. 21-31, 1999.
Based on the Doris Betts short story, "The Ugliest Pilgrim," Violet, tells of a young woman who travels across the South, seeking an evangelist whom she believes can cure her disfigured face. Along the way she meets two soldiers who become her traveling companions. Tesori (Twelfth Night, First Picture Show) wrote the score, with Crawley providing the book and lyrics.
Lori Fischer (Cowgirls) stars as Violet, with Laura Bartholomay as Young Vi, Ryan Osmond as Monty, James Fleming as Violet's Father and Eric Woodall as the Preacher.
Replacing originally announced director Bartlett Sher is Drew Barr. Barr recently assistant directed on Lincoln Center's Twelfth Night, which also featured music by Tesori. Carol Parker choreographs and musical direction is by Mark Lewis.
Designing Violet are Narelle Sissons (sets), Mary Louise Geiger (lighting), Kim Sorenson (costumes) and Melissa Marquis (sound). Tickets ($34-$9) are available by calling PlayMakers at (916) 962 PLAY. PlayMakers performs at the Paul Green Theatre on the University of North Carolina campus at Chapel Hill.
-- By Christine Ehren
