Summer Fool’s Festival: “Violet”

Who doesn’t love a good musical?  Last week I met with a couple of the core artists at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey, RL Rowsey and Denise Simone, to discuss the upcoming Summer Fools Festival.  Although we are still 10 weeks away from the opening, I can feel the excitement in the air… most likely carried by the sounds of saws and hammers as the set builders in the background were at work creating yet another masterpiece.   

The musical for this year’s festival is “Violet”, written by Brian Crawley and Jeanine Tesori.  Following is the description taken from the Company of Fools website:

“Set in 1964 in the Deep South during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement, Violet follows the growth and enlightenment of a young woman accidentally scarred by her father. In hopes that a TV evangelist can cure her, she embarks on a journey by bus from her sleepy North Carolina town to Oklahoma. Along the way, she meets a young black soldier who teaches her about beauty, love, courage and what it means to be an outsider. One of the most acclaimed off-Broadway shows of the ’90s, Violet astounded critics and audiences with its powerful story and its energetic, toe-tapping Gospel, Rock, Country, and Rhythm and Blues score.” Featuring Andrew Alburger, Jana Arnold, Michelle Carter, Scott Creighton, Keith Moore, Cheryl Morrel, Cliff Todd, Kevin Wade and Debra Wagoner.

A genuine sincerity and sweetness that can pierce through one’s skepticism… blessed with some lovely indigenous music… a smart amalgam of country, church and blues.
- Seattle Times.

While I enjoy all of the productions by Company of Fools, I personally think that the musical is a style at which they absolutely excel.  John Glenn, another core company artist, will be the director for this play.  Like everyone involved with the Summer Fools Festival, John is another incredible individual with over 30 years of varied experience in the world of professional theatre.  Musical direction for this play will come from the VERY talented RL Rowsey, and the only thing I can tell prospective viewers of this performance is that everything will be top notch! 

For more information on the Summer Fools Festival, visit the Company of Fools website and for discounted theatre/lodging packages you can visit The Inn at Ellsworth Estate website.