Journey of self-discovery and acceptance teaches true meaning of love and courage

On a journey of healing through the 1960s
Deep South, Violet (Amy Fritsche) meets
soldiers Flick (Jared Dixon, on left) and
Monty (Ian Benjamin) and learns beauty is
more than skin deep.

Porthouse Theatre, Kent State University’s outdoor, summer theatre located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, continues its 47th season with the critically acclaimed musical Violet.

Directed by Steven C. Anderson, Violet opened July 10 and runs through July 25. A preview performance took place on July 9. A musical of transformation, Violet chronicles a young, disfigured woman’s journey through the 1960s Deep South as she seeks the healing touch of an evangelical preacher. Along the way, Violet meets two soldiers who help her realize beauty is more than skin deep. Music is by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics and book are by Brian Crawley. Performances are July 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m.

Kent State Assistant Professor Amy Fritsche* performs as Violet. Music direction is by Assistant Professor Jennifer Korecki. Scenic design is by Terry Martin, costume design by Susan J. Williams (M.F.A. ’15), lighting design by Cynthia R. Stillings, acting associate dean and professor in the College of the Arts, and Yu (Leo) Lei, technical direction by Ryan T. Patterson (M.F.A. ’15), and sound design by Nathan Rosmarin (B.F.A. ’15). The production stage manager is Joshua Brown (B.F.A. ’14).

Tickets can be purchased by phone at 330-672-3884, in person at the Porthouse Box Office or online at www.porthousetheatre.com. Group tickets can be purchased at the Porthouse Box Office or by phone at 330-672-3884. The Porthouse Box Office is located in the Roe Green Center lobby of Kent State’s Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Dr. in Kent, and is open Monday-Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Single tickets range in price from $32-$40 for adults, $30-$35 for seniors, $26-$33 for college students and $24-$30 for children 18 and under. Special rates for groups of 20 or more also are available.

The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

For more information about Porthouse Theatre, visit www.porthousetheatre.com.

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States