Violet

Book and Lyrics by Brian Crawley
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Directed and Choreographed by Kari Hayter
Musical Direction by Robyn Manion

On the Cripe Stage…

The best Tony-nominated musical nobody’s ever heard of… Violet has wowed critics and audiences with its powerful story and energetic gospel, rock, country and R&B score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home and Caroline, or Change). Set in the Deep South during the early days of the civil rights movement, this powerful musical tells the touching story of a young woman accidentally scarred on the face as a child. Hoping that a TV evangelist can cure her, Violet embarks on a long bus ride from her sleepy North Carolina town through Memphis to Oklahoma. Along the way, she meets two young soldiers who teach her about love, courage and the true meaning of beauty.

Recommendation: Ages 13 and above. Contains adult language.

BEST MUSICAL Winner
New York Critics Circle Awards;  Lucielle Lorte Award; Obie Award, 

BEST MUSICAL Nominee
Drama Desk Award for Revival of a Musical, Actress in a Musical, Featured Actor in a Musical; Outer Critics Award for Off Broadway Musical, Revival of a Musical; Tony for Best Revival of A Musical , Best Actress in a Musical, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Best Direction in a Musical; Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance.

 

Season Producers
Bette & Wylie Aitken

Executive Producers
Sophie & Larry Cripe

Associate Season Producer Laurie Smits Staude
Associate Producers Susan Bowman & Freddie Greenfield and
Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller
  • Save $10 by attending Previews (Feb 2-Feb 9).
  • Save $5 by attending Weekdays (Feb 16-Mar 2). Limited availability.
  • Seniors, Students, Educators and Military save $4 per ticket.
  • 2-for-1 Tix on Thurs, Feb 15 at 7:30pm... Use online code "DB014". Limited availability.
  • $20 Rush Tix available 1 hour prior to the performance. Cash only. Subject to availability.
  • 40% off for Groups of 10 or more.

Articles & Reviews

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Audience Buzz

    1. It was a great show. I love the more intimate venue. Not a bad seat in the house! EVERYONE was so talented…acting, singing, etc. Can’t wait to go back for the next show.

      — Donna Watson
    2. I thoroughly enjoyed the production!

      — Phyliss A.
    3. I am a Pastor, musician, and done some theater myself. We (my wife and daughter) have been watching theater together for over 40 years (married 42)
      from Moonlight theater to season tickets at the Pantages. Acting was superb, music excellent (and complicated for the leads.) Story line easy to follow.
      Intense (Forgot about “extravagant” backdrop, but loved the suit cases, especially the mirrors.
      Good job everybody!

      — Jens C.
    4. I loved this show! From the script, to the direction, band, actors, design, lighting, sound, everything was so cohesive and well-done. I left feeling inspired, and my heart was full!

      — Aly E.
    5. I was really impressed with the quality of the acting. Every look, every gesture was just right and communicated so much. I was also impressed with the stamina of the main character who played Violet. We all found it really interesting that you chose not to use makeup to disfigure Violet. The staging was beautifully done.

      — Isabelle T.
    6. Monika Pena, (Violet) was magnificent and the numerous townsfolk ensemble characterizations were full of variety and spot on. Especially enjoyed the choices of the Old Lady and the Preacher. The scene between the Father and the Violets was really powerful.

      — Anonymous
    7. My wife and I saw Violet on Saturday night of the closing weekend and I am so glad we didn’t miss it. Chance does amazing thing with its small space and Violet was amazing. The cast was terrific and Monika Pena was, in particular, remarkable. And we had the pleasure of sitting next to Rebeka’s proud father in the audience. Great show.

      — Frank Reed
    8. What a wonderful opportunity given to me by the Chance to experience this so-called “unknown” show. Kudos to everyone from producers to production staff/team to performers (and a friendlier house team you’d be hard to locate!). Musicians and performers were superb. They gave me lots to feel and think about with their fine performances.

      — Wallace (Wally) Farrelly
    9. I’m a big fan of the Chance. You do a fantastic job with your productions and you exude warmth and welcome to your audience — especially newcomers. I always know your musicals will be great, so it’s a safe bet to invite friends to join me and expose them to the Chance.

      — Kathy E.
    10. It was a wonderful performance! I loved the unique tone of Violet’s voice and the harmonies of the ensemble were phenomenal!

      — Anonymous
    11. The cast was very good. Singing powerful. Acting superb .

      — Kathie M.
    12. The actors were great!!! The singing was awesome!!!

      — Daniele F.
    13. The Chance always strives to go beyond what is “expected” and find outstanding new works, or add new and intriguing shades and layers to shows that people think they already know. They just did it again.

      — Richard C.
    14. Of all the shows I’ve seen in the past several seasons, I have to rate this as among, if not THE best. It was spectacular on all fronts: music, voices & lyrics, depth of emotion by the actors, plot and themes, staging. To me, this is on a par with Westside Story. My thanks and gratitude to everyone connected to this wonderful musical.

      — Ruth L.
    15. Excellent cast

      — Jerry D.
    16. The show was stellar! Everything about it. The set, sound, music, acting, production… I thoroughly enjoyed it. The level of professionalism was top notch.

      — Jonna A.
    17. I think your productions are so out of the box. It is a thrill to see them and all your fantastic actors!

      — Victoria A.
    18. We’ve been subscribers for 5 seasons and watching the Chance Theater grow and improve year after year has been a fun journey for us. Everything from the quality of the performers to the staff and the comfort of the theater itself is the reason we come back year after year. Great Job!

      — Stewart & Bridgette M.
    19. keep on doing what you’re doing and encourage theatre goers to speak to their friends, co-workers, and family and bring them to the CHANCE

      — Rob G.
    20. Last year I attended the play “Parade;” a powerful experience. This year I purchased a subscription plus “Emma” with 3 friends. The brochure showed plays that look interesting and not the same old repeats that are being shown at other OC/LA theaters. The performance yesterday was wonderful, the music exceptional and I’m looking forward to Season 2018.

      — Anonymous
    21. Solid, impressive cast, as always. Very impressed with the musical performances. I liked the suitcase staging, with the band behind it.

      — Lisa K.
    22. Wonderful production; great acting, directing, casting, set design, lighting, music

      — Katy M.
    23. Monica is a consummate performer… Great performance and professional

      — Elizabeth J.
    24. I have been impressed with the two shows I’ve seen here (this, and “Parade”)

      — Anonymous
    25. Kari did a fabulous job of directing. Monica’s voice is beautiful

      — Anonymous
    26. This was my first experience at The Chance. Will be coming back soon

      — Anonymous
    27. thank you for consistently delivering first rate theater in an intimate setting close to home.

      — Anonymous
    28. Loved the entire experience because of the location ( really don’t like driving to L.A.), the size of the theater and the outstanding quality of the performance . Will definitely look for another opportunity to attend a performance there.

      — Bernadette N.
    29. Loved the show!!!

      — Anonymous
    30. I was amazed at the incredible talent of the cast.

      — Anonymous
    31. Excellent performances. The play was riveting

      — Anonymous
    32. The costumes were wonderful and true to the period!

      — Pamela L.
    33. Excellent production!

      — Rondi V.
    34. My husband and I were quite late to the performance. But from the moment we sat down, we were entranced by the show. I cried quite a bit during the performance–I just found it so moving and brilliantly performed (and beautifully sung). When my husband and I returned home, we viewed a few versions of the play on YouTube to see the first 40 minutes we had missed. Both of us remarked at how much better the Chance Theater production was than those online. It was a magnificent show, and I’m so glad we went.

      — Anonymous
    35. It was amazing, I loved every minute of it!!

      — Anonymous

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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At a Glance

Approximate Running Time:
1 hour, 45 minutes with no intermissions
Special Notes: