Erin Driscoll, James Gardiner & Kevin McAllister Set to Lead VIOLET at Ford's Theatre

The Ford's Theatre 2013-2014 season continues with the musical Violet, directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun (Broadway'sNewsies), January 24-February 23, 2014. Violet features a dynamic score of bluegrass, gospel, country and rock music by four-time Tony Award-nominated composer Jeanine Tesori (the recent Fun Home; Broadway's Caroline, or Change;Thoroughly Modern Millie; Shrek the Musical). The Ford's production stars a first-class Washington cast led by Erin Driscoll in the title role.

A touching story of hope, love and healing, Violet is set in the early 1960s and follows the story of a physically scarred young woman, who travels across the South in search of a televangelist's healing miracle. On her journey into Oklahoma, Violet meets Monty and Flick, two soldiers who help her learn about courage, beauty and her own self-worth.

"I'm excited to be directing this heartfelt musical at Ford's Theatre," said director Jeff Calhoun. "As we watch Violet's journey unfold, the story reminds us to celebrate individuality, make brave choices and to say 'yes' in life, instead of focusing on our imperfections. It's a story that's rich with vibrant music and an enchanting cast of characters who discover that hope, acceptance and love are the true healing miracles."

Violet is made possible with support from Lead Sponsor Exxon Mobil Corporation.WAMU 88.5 is the Official Media Partner for Violet. The Ford's Theatre 2013-2014 Season Sponsors are The Home Depot and Chevron.

Ford's Theatre Associate Artist Jeff Calhoun returns to Ford's Theatre to direct a mainstage musical for the first time since his production of The Civil War during the Ford's Theatre Reopening Season in 2009. Additional Ford's credits includeShenandoah, Deaf West's Big River and the Ford's Theatre Annual Gala (2009-2012). Some of his many Broadway credits include the Tony-winning Newsies, Jekyll and Hyde (2013 Revival), Bonnie and Clyde, Grey Gardens, Brooklyn The Musical, Deaf West's Big River, Annie Get Your Gun (Tony Award, Best Revival), Grease andTommy Tune Tonight! Additional credits include Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life for Arena Stage, Deaf West's Pippin at the Mark Taper Forum, domestic and international productions of Disney's High School Musical: On Stage and the first original ASL musical, Sleeping Beauty Wakes.

The cast for Violet includes Erin Driscoll (Our Town, Parade, A Christmas Carol) in the title role with James Gardiner as Monty and Kevin McAllister as Flick. Additional casting includes Madeline Botteri, Troy Hopper, Kellee Knighten Hough, Gregory Maheu, Katie McManus, Amy McWilliams, Nova Y. Payton,Stephen F. Schmidt, Chris Sizemore, Bobby Smith, Stephen Gregory Smithand Lauren Williams.

Jeff Calhoun's design team for Violet includes Music Director Jay Crowder (1776, LiberTy Smith, A Christmas Carol, The Civil War); Scenic Designer Tobin Ost(Shenandoah, The Civil War); Costume Designer Wade Laboissonniere (Hello, Dolly!, 1776, Parade, LiberTy Smith, Sabrina Fair, Little Shop of Horrors, The Civil War, The Heavens Are Hung In Black, State of the Union, The Matchmaker);Lighting Designer Michael Gilliam (The Civil War, Shenandoah, Big River, Leading Ladies), Sound Designer David Budries (Hello, Dolly!, Our Town, 1776, Parade, LiberTy Smith, Little Shop of Horrors, The Civil War, Meet John Doe, Shenandoah) and Wig and Make-Up Design by Anne Nesmith. The production team also includes Production Stage Manager Brandon Prendergast and Assistant Stage Manager Kate Kilbane.