College of Charleston Theatre to Open Season with “Violet,” A Musical About Self-Discovery

CofC Stages at the College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance opens its 2022-23 season centering on the theme “Constructing Identity,” which explores family, love, friendship, and finding one’s place. The diverse characters and stories in the season wrestle with identity, journey, clarity and defining oneself in six productions that include musical theatre, plays and dance.

Award-winning musical “Violet” (Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Lucille Lortel Award – Best Musical) opens the season on September 29th and tells the story of a young woman’s quest for beauty amidst the image-obsessed landscape of the 1960s. Facially disfigured in a childhood accident, Violet dreams of a miraculous transformation through the power of faith. Convinced that a televangelist in Oklahoma can heal her, she hops a Greyhound bus and starts the journey of a lifetime, discovering love and the true meaning of beauty along the way. 

Composed by Jeanine Tesori (music) and Brian Crawley (book, lyrics), “Violet” premiered Off-Broadway in 1997 and debuted on Broadway in 2014, where it garnered four Tony nominations. Tesori is known for her Tony Award-winning score for “Fun Home,” and Tony-nominated Broadway scores for “Twelfth Night” at Lincoln Center,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Caroline, or Change” and “Shrek the Musical.” Crawley has written several musicals, including “A Little Princess,” “Evangeline” and “Down There.” He won the Kleban Award for the libretto of “Violet.”

Directed by Assistant Professor of African American Theatre and Performance, Nakeisha Daniel, with musical direction by fellow theatre professor Laura Turner and choreography by Associate Professor of Dance, Kristin Alexander, the College’s production is a musical gem recommended for all ages. Daniel shares, “’Violet’ is a dynamic, witty, and heartfelt musical. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy in this compelling story. Audiences should come prepared to laugh, lament, and tap their feet to the gorgeous music.” 

The cast is led by Gillian Huntley in the role of Violet, Jaden Jenkins as Flick, and Aidan O’Connor as Monty. Students of all class years comprise the cast and crew, and the show’s designers include faculty member Janine McCabe (costume design), student Max Marshall (scenic design), recent graduate Eddie Frye (lighting design), and adjunct faculty member Caleb Garner (sound design). Student Mollie Davis, a major in psychology with a theatre minor, serves as stage manager.

DETAILS: Performances of “Violet” at the Chapel Theatre (172 Calhoun St.) are Sept. 29-Oct. 2 and Oct. 5-8. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 1 and Oct. 5-8, with 2:00 p.m. matinees on Oct. 1, 2, 8. Discounted season ticket packages are available for all six CofC Stages productions. Individual tickets are $20 adults; $15 seniors (60+), military/veteran, and youth under 18; $12 CofC students, faculty, and staff. Purchase season packages or individual tickets online at go.cofc.edu/cofcstages or contact the George Street Box Office by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu or calling (843) 953-4726. 

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2022-23 CofC Stages Season

Visit go.cofc.edu/cofcstages to learn about all six productions that center on the theme “Constructing Identity”: 

• “Violet” by Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley
• “Shifting Perspectives” (faculty-choreographed dance concert)
• “Miss Bennet, Christmas at Pemberley” by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon
• “Two Gentlemen of Verona” by William Shakespeare
• “Becoming We” (student-choreographed dance concert)
• “Marcus or the Secret of Sweet” by Tarell Alvin McCraney