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Regional Reviews: Florida - West Coast Violet Also see Bill's reviews of Good People and Fearless
Violet is not a perfect musical. Its jumps between present and past can be a little difficult to follow, although when the authors blend them together as in "Luck of the Draw," it can be very effective. The first half is stronger musically than the second, which doesn't fully come to life until the revival scene where, finally, it is at its most moving with "Bring Me to Light," the closing number. Even so, there is a lot of potential to be very moving. Co-directors Pamela Wiley and Bob Trisolini (also choreographer) have mounted a fast-paced production with projections on a screen in the rear that help clarify the storytelling. It is very similar to the Broadway production, with a Greyhound bus suggested on a movable platform and fairly simple settings. The set design by Jeff Webber, costumes by Kaylene McCaw, and lighting design by Bill Najmy are all highly effective elements. The cover of the program states that this production is starring Kathryn Parks, unusual for community theater, but in this case absolutely appropriate. She is, in a word, magnificent. The music carries the show and Ms. Parks sings every bar beautifully. Her acting, strongly tied to the singing, is stunning as she moves from completely unassured to "healed" through her inner strength. I intend not to miss her future starring roles. She is supported by Michael Mendez as Flick and Brian Craft as Monty. I have watched Michael grow from an ensemble dancer I loved to watch to featured performer to star. Last fall he portrayed Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at another theater and, even though he was cast against type (he is an extremely handsome leading man type), he gave a very strong performance. Here, cast more to type, he is giving the performance of his career. He makes "Let it Sing" a show stopper. Mr. Craft does fine work as well; we see that Violet brings out the best in his character, normally a womanizer. In smaller roles, Allen Kretschmar as Violet's father, Chris Caswell as the Preacher and the Bus Driver, and Phyllis Banks in several cameos, all add dimension to the production. Hannah Beatt as Young Violet is extraordinary, giving real emotional depth to a child character. (Another community theater is doing Into the Woods, and I wish Ms. Beatt could divide herself in two, as she would make a wonderful Little Red in that show.) The rest of the cast are solid; the choral singing in the revival scene and everywhere else is on a professional level. Music direction by Rick Bogner on piano, assisted by Tony Rizzo on guitar, Joe Bruno on bass, and Paul Henry on percussion, is superb. Musical theater fans, if you are not acquainted with Violet, please go meet her. This production is likely to be one of the highlights of the year. Violet, through March 1, 2015, at The Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Box Office (941) 365-2494. For more information visit www.theplayers.org.
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