Theater Latté Da artistic director Peter Rothstein helms the production, which features Britta Ollmann in the title role. The cast also includes Randy Schmeling (Monty), Maeve Moynihan (Young Violet), Dieter Bierbrauer (Father), Lynnea Doublette (Lula), Janet Hansen (Old Lady), Alan Sorenson (Preacher) and Nathaniel Irvin (Billy Dean). Denise Prosek is musical director. Violet is based on "The Ugliest Pilgrim" and features a score by Tony Award nominee Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Brian Crawley. The musical, according to press notes, is described as such: "Set against the backdrop of the Deep South in the early days of the civil rights movement, Violet is an uplifting musical about a young white woman who is physically and emotionally scarred. She sets out on a journey to find a cure and along the way meets a young black soldier who teaches her about beauty, courage and what it means to be an outsider."

In a previous statement director Rothstein said, "It is a provocative and powerful story set to an incredible score. The musical is both intimate, with much of the story is set on a Greyhound bus, and epic in its exploration of race, beauty and religion. It will be a unique theatrical experience in the Dowling Studio."

The creative team includes Kalere A. Payton (costume designer), Marcus Dilliard (lighting designer) and Montana Johnson (sound designer).

Tickets, priced $18-$34, are available by visiting www.guthrietheater.org or by calling (612) 377-2224.