Quote of the Day: Everything I’ve done so far has sparked a flame that is now burning me up. Violet, in the musical Violet, music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics and book by Brian Crawley, based on the novel The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts, directed by Kelli Foster Warder, and music directed by Sanford Moore. Presented by Ten Thousand Things Theater at various locations, April 23 – June 1, 2025.

Watching a show presented by Ten Thousand Things Theater is always a wonderful, immersive experience, where I feel drawn into the story. TTT Theater is a bare bones, minimal props and set theater, designed to be mobile as they take their shows to various locations including shelters, jails, community centers, schools, and other places where access to live theater is limited. They also have public performances at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, where I saw a performance last Saturday afternoon. 

Violet – April 23 – June 1, 2025
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Lyrics and Book by Brian Crawley
Based on “The Ugliest Pilgrim” by Doris Betts
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Directed by Kelli Foster Warder, Music Directed by Sanford Moore
Featuring Annika Isbell as Violet, Mitchell Douglas as Flick and Ryan London Levin as Monty with Kate Beahen, Charlie Clark, Lynnea Doublette, Tom Reed, Sophina Saggau, Madison Neal and Gabe Woodard.

The character Violet is represented by two actors. Sophia Saggau plays Young Violet. She tells to backstory to current day (September 1964) Violet who is on a bus trip to find healing from a Televangelist for a scar on her face that she got from an accident involving an axe. Annika Isbell plays Violet, who is in her mid-20’s, and looking for acceptance. She has suffered both physically and emotionally from her scar. She boards the bus with money she’s saved up for years and a blind faith that the faith healer will be the answer to her suffering.

Along the way, she meets a woman (Kate Beahen plays her and others) who is going to visit one of her adult children. She tries to offer advice and take care of Violet, but she has her own baggage to handle. Violet also meets two soldiers on their way to training camp, then potentially off to Vietnam. Monty (Ryan London Levin) takes a shine to Violet, but we wonder if he’s just using her. Flick (Mitchell Dougals) is a Black man who is also a soldier. He and Violet form a quick connection as they truly see each other. 

Charlie Clark plays Violet’s father, and others. It’s their relationship and the scars they both show, and bury, that needs healing. Lynea Doublette plays Gospel Lady and others. She is often a humorous character, but also the voice of society, and her signing voice is amazing! Tom Reed plays the bus driver, the preacher, and others. He is such a versatile actor, it’s absolutely a treat to see him in all the various roles.

The music, performed by Sanford Moore, is a mix of gospel, country, folk, and musical theater. All the singers are fantastic. From the first note, I was drawn in. There is something so magical about watching a show and being so close to the action. TTT theater always sets up “in the round,” with chairs on all four sides. You could reach out and touch them, see every eye twitch and expression. You feel like you’re on that journey with them. Even more so in a play about a bus trip, a scarred girl, and all the hopes, dreams, and fears of all the passengers.

Violet – April 23 – June 1, 2025
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Lyrics and Book by Brian Crawley
Based on “The Ugliest Pilgrim” by Doris Betts
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Directed by Kelli Foster Warder, Music Directed by Sanford Moore
Featuring Annika Isbell as Violet, Mitchell Douglas as Flick and Ryan London Levin as Monty with Kate Beahen, Charlie Clark, Lynnea Doublette, Tom Reed, Sophina Saggau, Madison Neal and Gabe Woodard.

Wonderful period inspired costumes by Samantha Fromm Haddow. Set and props by Sarah Bahr. Photographer is Tom Wallace. You can see this lovely musical Violet, by Ten Thousand Things Theater through June 1, 2025. Check their website for venues and showtimes. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Have you ever taken a bus trip? Or, gone on a road trip to find something and made an unexpected discovery about yourself?