Overview
Synopsis
Based on the short story "The Ugliest Pilgrim" by Doris Betts, Violet centers around a young woman embarking on a long journey full of hope and dreams of a new beginning. Violet has a large scar on her face due to a childhood accident and it has, quite literally, scarred her life. Having run out of all medical options, she now pins all her hopes on a miracle cure from a famous TV preacher in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On her journey of self-discovery, she meets two soldiers, Flick and Monty. As they travel on together, Violet learns the true meaning of beauty, love, and what it means to be an outsider. Her miracle cure does not come through, but Violet experiences a form of healing that is infinitely more valuable.
Show Information
- Book
- Brian Crawley
- Music
- Jeanine Tesori
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1997
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- 1964, The Deep South
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Small
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Early Teen, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
|
Female |
|
Songs
- "Opening (Water in the Well)/Surprised" – Young Vi, Violet
- "On My Way" – Violet, Old Lady, Flick, Bus Driver, Young Vi, and Company
- "M&M's" – Company
- "Luck of the Draw" – Father, Young Vi, Violet, Monty, Flick
- "Question 'n' Answer" – Monty, Violet
- "All to Pieces" – Violet, Monty, Flick
- "A Healing Touch" – Preacher, Violet, Gospel Choir
- "Let it Sing" – Flick
- "Anyone Would Do" – Hotel Hooker
- "Who'll Be the One (If Not Me)" – Radio Singer, Radio Trio
- "Last Time I Came to Memphis" – Monty
- "Lonely Stranger" – Music Hall Singer
- "Lay Down Your Head" – Violet
- "Anyone Would Do (Reprise)" – Music Hall Singer, Landlady, Hotel Singer
- "Hard to Say Goodbye" – Flick, Violet
- "Promise Me, Violet" – Violet, Flick, Monty
- "Raise Me Up" – Gospel Choir, Preacher, Gospel Soloist
- "Down the Mountain" – Young Vi, Father
- "Raise Me Up (Reprise)" – Violet, Preacher
- "Look at Me" – Violet, Young Vi
- "That's What I Could Do" – Father
- "Surprised (Reprise)" – Violet and Company
- "Promise Me, Violet (Reprise)" – Flick, Violet
- "Bring Me to Light" – Young Vi, Flick, Violet, and Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Genre of American music developed in the Appalachian region in the 1940s. Bluegrass uses acoustic strings, often including a banjo, and has its roots in folk ballads, country music, and jazz.
The states in the most southern and eastern part of the U.S.A.
A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.
A traditional genre of Christian music.
Someone trained to parachute into a military operation.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher