IC Theatre Presents ‘Violet’

By Marcus Illingworth ’21, March 22, 2019
Tesori and Crawley’s tale of self-discovery takes the Clark Theatre stage.

Poster for "Violet"

Ithaca College Theatre’s spring musical puts truth and inner beauty center stage. Opening April 4 in Clark Theatre, “Violet” will captivate audiences with a musically diverse set of catchy songs underpinning a human story of seeing and being seen in a world where people often fail to look below the surface.

Written by Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley, “Violet” is based on Doris Betts’ novel, “The Ugliest Pilgrim.” Set in the American South at the dawn of the civil rights movement, the musical tells the story of a girl on a journey to find healing at the feet of a television evangelist. Scarred both emotionally and physically by a troubled past, she learns to embrace life and beauty for what they are.

“Violet” features a wide-ranging collection of musical numbers, with genres ranging from gospel to American roots. Director Greg Bostwick, professor in the Department of Theatre Arts, says that music plays an important role in the show.

Ticket Information

Performances of “Violet” will run from April 4-14 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on April 7, 13 and 14, and a special preview performance on April 2. Tickets are on sale now at https://tickets.ithaca.edu/violet. Tickets may also be purchased over the phone at (607) 274-3224, or in person at the Ithaca College Theatre Box Office in Dillingham Center. The box office is open noon-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon-4 p.m. on Friday.

“The huge diversity musical styles in this production helps to underscore what is happening within the characters and show where the characters are on their journey,” said Bostwick.

After its off-Broadway premiere in 1997, “Violet” was lauded for its diverse musical style and engaging songs. Its Broadway revival in 2014 featured such stars as Joshua Henry and Sutton Foster. 

Cast and Crew

The cast of “Violet” features:

  • Connie Bahng ’19 as “Young Violet”
  • Keara Byron ’19 and Robin Mazer ’19 as “Violet”
  • Joel Oliver ’19 as “Flick”
  • Keenan Buckley ’19 as “Monty”
  • Christian Obert ’21 as “Father”

The cast also includes Justin Shondeck ’21, Christian Henry ’21, Cara Bachman ’19, Jack Russell Richardson ’21, Ben DeMarco ’19, Moyo Odulaja ’21, Lillian Herrick ’21, Mariah Lyttle ’19, Josh Witzling ’22, Kaitlyn Jackson ’20, Eric Leigh ’22 and Amanda Xander ’22.

The senior creative/design team includes:

  • Greg Bostwick – Director
  • Michael Blake – Choreographer
  • Kelley Hamilton – Music Director
  • Jesse Harron ’19 – Scenic Designer
  • Brock Viering ’19 – Costume Designer
  • Steve TenEyck and Indigo Garcia ’20 – Co-Lighting Designers
  • Jordan Del Pino ’19 – Sound Designer