IL's Apple Tree Theatre have extended their production of the Jeanine Tesori Brian Crawley musical Violet through May 30. The production was originally supposed to close on May 16.
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.
Tesori was recently nominated for a 1999 Tony Award for her score to the Lincoln Center production of Twelfth Night. The nomination was unusual because the category traditionally recognizes new musicals, rather than incidental music.
Lisa Datz stars in the title role, with the cast rounded out with K.C. Lupp, Nathaniel Stampley, Jonathan Weir and Scott Schumacher.
For tickets ($28.50), call (847) 432-4335. -- By Sean McGrath
