Violet is based on "The Ugliest Pilgrim" and features a score by Tony Award nominee Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Brian Crawley. The musical, according to press notes, is described as such: "Set against the backdrop of the Deep South in the early days of the civil rights movement, Violet is an uplifting musical about a young white woman who is physically and emotionally scarred. She sets out on a journey to find a cure and along the way meets a young black soldier who teaches her about beauty, courage and what it means to be an outsider."

In a statement director Rothstein said, "It is a provocative and powerful story set to an incredible score. The musical is both intimate, with much of the story is set on a Greyhound bus, and epic in its exploration of race, beauty and religion. It will be a unique theatrical experience in the Dowling Studio."

The creative team includes Kalere A. Payton (costume designer), Marcus Dilliard (lighting designer) and Montana Johnson (sound designer).

Tickets, priced $18-$34, are available by visiting www.guthrietheater.org or by calling (612) 377-2224.