Review: 'Violet' by Western CT State University Department of Theatre Arts

Danbury, CT - The Western CT State University Department of Theatre Arts chose to present ‘Violet’ written by Brian Crawley with music by Jeanine Tesori. The production ran Mar. 29 through Apr. 9 in a black box theatre at the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the WCSU Westside campus and was directed by Tim Howard with Howard Kilik the precise music director and conductor. WCSU junior Jessica Schwartz, who has appeared at Danbury’s Musicals at Richter, was the assistant director.

The libretto by Brian Crawley is based on the short story "The Ugliest Pilgrim" by Doris Betts and premiered Off-Broadway in 1997. Set in 1964 in the Deep South during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement, it tells the story of a young disfigured woman who embarks on a physical and emotional journey by bus from her North Carolina farm to Tulsa, Oklahoma in order to be healed by a TV preacher. The musical was presented in one act.

The talent of the university students was apparent as they made their entrances from all corners of the room. In the Sutton Foster role of Violet, sophomore Musical Theatre major Alexandra Colavecchio made us believe she was had a disfigured face by using her hair as a shield; she sang very well and kept her Southern accent throughout. Thomas Bergamo, a sophomore from Wolcott, took on the role of the young white corporal called Monty and gave a wonderful performance. WCSU freshman Isiah Bostic performed very well as a black sergeant who got the name of Flick in reform school.

Caleigh Lozito, a sophomore Musical Theatre major from Bristol, played the role of an old lady Violet meets on the bus and a hooker in Memphis. She was able to shine in both roles and is a young actress to watch.

Joseph Calabrese, a sophomore who was in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ in the fall, was especially strong in the role of Violet’s father. Jennifer Wilson was so convincing and cute as the younger version of Violet that I was surprised to read in her bio that she is a junior at WCSU. Junior Noah Todd played a charismatic preacher with a wide-reaching reputation, a radio singer and one of the bus drivers. Thomas Ovitt played Billy Dean, Virgil and a second bus driver.

Tyler Gallaher, a freshman who played Underling in ‘Drowsy,’ covered the roles of Leroy Evans, another radio singer, and a third bus driver. The vocally talented transfer junior Sasha Brown sang beautifully as Almeta and Lula Buffington in her first WCSU production. Junior Saige Bryan (Trix in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’) had her moment in the spotlight as a music hall singer and senior Alex Allyn (‘The Cat in the Hat’) was Violet’s deceased mother watching over her. Ensemble members who worked very hard in this production included sophomore Joelle Tsudy, Ms. Allyn, freshman Ashia Collins, freshman Colin Gallaher, freshman Jonathan Jordan and freshman Brandon Wolfe. Their best scene was the spirited revival meeting staged for the cameras. Male swing was freshman Stefan Izydorczak.

Assistant Professor Howard is the Coordinator of Musical Theatre at WCSU and has had a diverse career as a director/actor/singer and music director. All of these parts of his career were apparent in the smart staging choices and even scene changes I saw in this production. I am always struck by the level of professionalism by the young-ish university students at this state university, beginning with the ticketing process staffed by students.

The score mixes a number of musical styles, from heartfelt gospel and bluegrass to Memphis blues, some with fine harmonies. The eight musicians sat in a corner next to the stage and sounded great for the space. The choreography was done by the director and Mary Ann Lamb. Costumes designed by Sharon Sobel (assisted by junior Jessica Bowe) perfectly marked the era. Scott Cally designed the good lighting in this small space and Paulo Seixas designed the set that was spread out throughout the space that allowed the audience to focus on a bus interior, a rest stop diner or a revival stage.

Next up at WCSU will be ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ April 26 - 30 directed by John Hickok.