The Jeanine Tesori-Brian Crawley musical Violet blooms again, this time from Jan. 21-31, 1999 at Witchita, KS' Stage One.

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 Kevin Free (Avenue X) as Flick, George Merrick (Oklahoma!) as Monty, Peter Marinos (Secret Garden) as Violet's Father and Randy Wendelin as the Preacher. Supporting cast includes Cary Hesse as the old lady, Paul Jackson as the radio singer, Christopher McCormick as Billy Dean, Trisha Garnes as the gospel singer, Khaliah Stallings as the music hall singer and Taryn Southern as Young Violet.

Stage One Artistic Director Jamie Rocco (choreographer for Madison Square Garden's Wizard of Oz) directs. The artistic team includes musical director Tom Mitchell, set designer J. Branson, lighting designer Sean Roberson, costume designer Eleanor Patton, property master Tom Mittlestadt and sound designer Larry Jones.

Tickets ($7.50-$5) are available by calling Stage One at (316) 262-5330. Stage One will perform at the Mary Jane Teall Theatre at Century II Convention and Performing Arts Center. -- By Christine Ehren