Jeanine Tesori-Brian Crawley's musical Violet closes its Philadelphia production June 13 at the Arden Theater. Performances began May 13. Arden's Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen directs.

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.

Linda Pierson (Arden's A Little Night Music) stars as Violet, with Kevin Free (Avenue X) as Flick, Timothy Charles Johnson (Goodspeed Opera House's Mirette) as Monty, Brian J. Dorsey as Violet's Father and Bill Whitehead as the Preacher. The supporting cast includes Joliet F. Harris, Mary Martello, Fran Prisco, James Sugg, Rema Webb and Anah Klate as Young Violet.

The artistic team includes musical director Vince DiMura, set designer Christopher Pickart, lighting designer Andrew Billiau, costume designer Marla Jurglanis and sound designer Jim Murphy.

Tickets ($30-$18) are available by calling the Arden Box Office at (215) 922-1122. Violet is performed in the F. Otto Haas Stage at the Arden Theater Company, located at 40 N. 2nd Street. -- By Christine Ehren