Kennedy, who will star in the title role, will be joined on stage by Yolanda Rabun (Landlady/Gospel Soloist), Melvin Tunstall III (Flick), Jason Sharp (Monty), David McClutchy (Preacher), Heather Patterson-King (Old Lady/Hotel Singer), Mary Mattison Vallery (Young Violet), Dennis Delamar (Father), Jeffrey Todd Parrot (Billy Dean), Nick DeVito (Leroy Evans/Earl), Hazel Edmond (Music Hall Singer/ Mabel), Jim Dadosky (Bus Driver/Mechanic) and Conner Lillis (Ensemble/Swing). Eric Woodall directs.

Based on the short story "The Ugliest Pilgrim" by Doris Betts, Violet features music by Jeanine Tesori and libretto by Brian Crawley. The musical, according to press notes, "is a story of a young disfigured woman who embarks on a journey by bus from her farm in Spruce Pine, North Carolina all the way to Tulsa, Oklahoma in order to be healed."

The creative/production team also includes musical director Jay Wright as well as Christine Rapp (stage manager), Chris Bernier (set/lighting design), Eric Collins (sound design), Richard Young (props), Denise Schumaker (costumes), Will Mikes (video projection), Kate McMillan (assistant stage manager) and Andrew Britt (assistant director).

Shows take place at the Kennedy Theatre inside the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh. For ticket information call (866) 811-4111 or visit www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.