Directed by Lindsay Rae Taylor | Music Direction by Brian Osborne Choreography by Jeri Dickey
April 16-25, 2025
Telfair B. Peet Mainstage Theatre
Music by Jeanine Tesori | Lyrics and Book by Brian Crawley
Based on “The Ugliest Pilgrim” by Doris Betts
Directed by Lindsay Rae Taylor | Music Direction by Brian Osborne | Choreography by Jeri Dickey
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Santiago
The road seen, then not seen, the hillside hiding then revealing the way you should take, the road dropping away from you as if leaving you to walk on thin air, then catching you, holding you up, when you thought you would fall, and the way forward always in the end the way that you followed, the way that carried you into your future, that brought you to this place, no matter that it sometimes took your promise from you, no matter that it had to break your heart along the way: the sense of having walked from far inside yourself out into the revelation, to have risked yourself for something that seemed to stand both inside you and far beyond you, that called you back to the only road in the end you could follow, walking as you did, in your rags of love and speaking in the voice that by night became a prayer for safe arrival, so that one day you realized that what you wanted had already happened long ago and in the dwelling place you had lived in before you began, and that every step along the way, you had carried the heart and the mind and the promise that first set you off and drew you on and that you were more marvelous in your simple wish to find a way than the gilded roofs of any destination you could reach: as if, all along, you had thought the end point might be a city with golden towers, and cheering crowds, and turning the corner at what you thought was the end of the road, you found just a simple reflection, and a clear revelation beneath the face looking back and beneath it another invitation, all in one glimpse: like a person and a place you had sought forever, like a broad field of freedom that beckoned you beyond; like another life, and the road still stretching on. from David Whyte’s collection, Pilgrim
“If I tell you my heart has been opened wide, if I tell you I’m frightened, if I show you the darkness I hold inside, will you bring me to light?”
In this production, you will notice that Violet does not have a visible scar, as the scar is there, but also not there. Every character in this story has a scar, a flaw, a wound that they are carrying with them on their journey, be it on the surface or internal.
Many thanks to the faculty, staff, and students of Auburn’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Thank you, as well, to our guest artists, and to our additional members of the team who helped build, paint, construct, manage, assistant direct, and research the world of Violet. It has been a joy and a gift collaborating with you.
With thoughts of Pozzo and Robert, who continue to bring me to light.
Lean in, and enjoy the show!
— Lindsay Rae Taylor, Director
ARTISTIC TEAM
Artistic Director: Tessa Carr
Director: Lindsay Rae Taylor
Assistant Director: Hali Everette
Music Director: Brian Osborne
Choreographer: Jeri Dickey
Dance Captain: Kirsten Estes
Vocal Director and Vocal Health Consultant: Elizabeth Benson
Emily Bearden, Abigail Bowling, Cahlin Cheek, Noah Dimon, Mary Graham, Rosemary Gross, Cam Hart, William Johnson, Mo McKenzie, Avery Melton, Olivia Prather, Elijah Racz, Emma Grace Ramb, Sawyer Skinner, Evie Slaughenhoup, Moreland Smith, Alaya Young
Costume Studio:
Patrick Barnett, Olivia Beland, Caroline Brooks, Isabella Doyle, Harrison Dunn, Wil Eplett, Kirsten Estes, Hali Everette, Daisha Flint, Cecilia Frederick, Cat Govignon, Gail Johnson, Kathryn Mims, Kayla Newell, Amy Roberts, Sarah Schomburg, Kara Anne Smith, Tino Soto, Bekah Taylor, Addie Tripp, Ava Vazquez
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director of Production: Laura Sims
Calling Stage Manager: Lily Sosebee
Deck Stage Manager: Abigail Bowling
Technical Director: Matt Gist
Props Coordinator: Kate Nymark
Charge Artists: Courtney Winkelman, Marsail Abuaita
Flyrail Operator: Abigail Bowling
Costume Coordinator: Jennifer Salter
Costume Shop Manager: Sam Heilhecker
Draper: Michaela Williams
Wardrobe Supervisor: Catherine Govignon
Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor: Amy Roberts
Wardrobe Crew: McKinley Carson, Harrison Dunn, Mai Cooper, Sam Oliver
Stage Operations Coordinator and Staff Electrician: Emily Olson
Light Board Operator: Aylsha McCall
Follow Spots: Avery Melton, Jason Saylor
A1: Davy Davis
A2s: Nicholas Bailey, Anna Beth McSpadden
Violet is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Photography, video, and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
SPECIAL THANKS
Auburn University Theatre & Dance gratefully acknowledges the following:
Support for our season from Dr. Vini Nathan and the Office of the Provost of Auburn University.
auburnuniversitytheatre.org
SETTING
The story begins in Spruce Pine, North Carolina on September 4th, 1964.
The show runs approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes without an intermission.
Water in the Well ......................................... Young Vi/Violet
On My Way ....... Violet, Old Lady, Flick, Bus Driver, Young Vi, & Company
M&M’s ........................................................ Company
Luck of the Draw .................... Father, Young Vi, Violet, Monty, Flick 6. Question ’n’ Answer........................................ Monty, Violet
All to Pieces ..........................................Violet, Monty, Flick 8. Organ Underscore/Preacher Hymn ......... Preacher, Violet, Gospel Choir
Let it Sing ......................................................... Flick
Anyone Would Do .......................................... Hotel Hooker
Who’ll Be the One (If Not Me) ........................... Father, Radio Trio 12. Last Time I Came to Memphis ..................................... Monty 13. Lonely Stranger ......................... Music Hall Singer, Hotel Hooker 14. Lay Down Your Head .............................................. Violet
15. Anyone Would Do (Reprise) ....... Music Hall Singer, Almeta, Hotel Singer
16. Hard to Say Goodbye ....................................... Flick, Violet 17. Promise Me, Violet .................................. Violet, Flick, Monty
26. Bring Me to Light ...................... Young Vi, Flick, Violet, & Company
LEARN MORE
• Join us after the Thursday April 24 performance for a talkback session with the actors and members of the creative team.
• Check out the dramaturgical display in the theatre lobby to learn more about historical context of the play.
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for interviews, takeovers, and other features about the show!
@auburnuniversitytheatre
GUEST ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
Grier Coleman (Costume Designer) is pleased to return to Auburn where she previously designed The Last Night of Ballyhoo. Credits include: A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham, Miami New Drama, Playmakers Repertory Company, Shakespeare on the Sound, Virginia Theatre Festival, Virginia Stage Company, Weston Playhouse, and Yale Repertory Theatre. Education credits include seventeen seasons at The Juilliard School designing drama, dance, and opera; New York University, Columbia, The New School, Washington College, and the University of Virginia. Grier holds a BFA from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. She is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829. www.griercoleman.com Cheyenne Dalton (Sound Designer) is an Auburn University Theatre BFA design/tech alum currently living in Orlando, FL. She primarily works as an audio engineer across the Central Florida area, where her recent theatre credits include On Your Feet! (Garden Theatre), The Spongebob Musical (Orlando Family Stage), and The Fantasticks (Orlando Shakes). Her most recent design credits include Grease (Mountain Theatre Company), Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Daytona State College), Monstersongs (Auburn University Theatre & Dance), Newsies (Associate Designer, The Master’s Academy), and Dragons Love Tacos (Associate Designer, Orlando Family Stage). Cheyenne currently makes magic at Walt Disney World as an Entertainment Technician, but some of the most magical experiences she's had have been working with students of all ages.
Inji Ha (Scenic Designer) is a freelance scenic designer and scenic artist who works on plays, musicals, and opera. She earned an MFA in live design and production from the University of Texas at Austin and a BFA in theatre design and technology from Auburn University. She enjoys exploring storytelling through design and aims to create thoughtful, engaging spaces that support the narrative and enhance the audience’s experience. Her recent design credits include The 39 Steps (University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2024), The Tales of Hoffmann (Butler Opera Music, 2023), In Sisters We Trust (University of Texas at Austin, 2022), Detroit ’67 (Auburn University Theatre & Dance, 2022), and Love and Information (University of Texas at Austin, 2022). She is always looking to learn and grow, taking on new challenges with a focus on detail and collaboration. She values working with others and approaches each project with openness, respect, and a willingness to adapt. She is grateful for the opportunity to return to Auburn University and contribute to the work being done there.
Krista Smith (Lighting Designer) is a Philadelphia-based lighting designer and visual artist. She is happy to return to Auburn University, last here in 2021 with Andrew Schwartz’s Spring Awakening. UPCOMING: Premiere of Emily Coates’ The Scattering this November at the Guggenheim. Krista’s designs have been seen in New York at venues including: La MaMa, Ars Nova, New York Theatre Workshop, and The Public Theater. Regional credits include: Dorset Theatre, Weston Theater, Hartford Stage, Triad Stage, California Shakespeare Theater, and Yale Repertory Theatre. Krista is a company member of Krymov Lab NYC, adjunct faculty at University of the Arts, and resident lighting designer for Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus. Krista received her MFA from Yale School of Drama and is a proud member of USA 829. www.KristaSmithLD.com.
STUDENT COMPANY BIOGRAPHIES
Patrick Thomas Barnett (Flick) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Lagrange, GA. His AUTD credits include Pippin (Ensemble), Twelfth Night (Feste), Barbecue (James T.), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Pierre), and Wellesley Girl (Scott). Patrick would like to thank his family and friends for their support!
Lindsey Beam (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a first year BA theatre major on the design/technology track from Myrtle Beach, SC. Previous AUTD credits include Flying/Falling (Light Board Operator) and Wellesley Girl (Deck Crew). She would like to thank AUTD for the many opportunities and thanks her family for their support.
Jeb Bethel (Bus Drivers/Preacher) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major from Dalton, GA. His previous AUTD credits include Ordinary Days (Warren), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Orchestra Vocalist), and AU Players’ production of Pride and Prejudice (Wickham). He would like to thank his family for their support. War Eagle!
Kinsey Bosher (Young Vi) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major. She has previously performed in AUTD’s production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble/Natasha u/s) and Fractals: Infinite Movement (Dancer). Kinsey will be performing in Dollywood’s original musical Play On this summer! She would like to thank everyone involved in this production for making it an unforgettable experience!
Abigail Bowling (Deck Stage Manager) is a junior BFA theatre management major with a creative writing minor from Auburn, AL. Recent AUTD credits include Orlando (Draper), Wellesley Girl (SM), and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (SM). She also serves as the vice president of AU Players, production assistant for the department, and stage manager for Mosaic Theatre Company.
Caroline Brooks (Music Hall Singer) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major. This is Caroline’s second AUTD production as a performer. She was previously seen in AUTD’s Monstersongs (Mad Scientist Mother/Siren Sister). She’s been on wardrobe crew for many of the AUTD shows, including the most recent production of Orlando.
Cahlin Cheek (Leroy Evans/Waiter/Billy Dean) is a first year BA theatre major from Chelsea, AL. He was previously in the AUTD show Flying/Falling (Dancer). He has 6 years of experience in dance and is a member of the National Thespian Society.
u/s = understudy
STUDENT COMPANY BIOGRAPHIES
Tapley Cronier (Father) is a senior BFA performance major. AUTD credits: Spring Awakening (Otto), Into the Woods (Steward), The Thanksgiving Play (Caden), Twelfth Night (Sir Andrew), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Balaga), and Wellesley Girl (RJ). In his final Auburn show, Tapley thanks his teachers, directors, amazing mom, loving grandparents, Aunt Karen, and all his friends and family.
Davy Davis (Assistant Sound Designer) is a senior BA theatre major from Elba, AL, who has previously sound designed for AUTD's production of Wellesley Girl and assistant sound designed the department's devised collaboration with UNIVERSES Theater Company, Dare WE Defend. Most recently, Davy assistant directed AUTD's Orlando. They are extremely grateful for the faculty and peers who made the experience rich.
Kirsten Estes (Featured Ensemble/Young Vi u/s, Dance Captain) is a junior BFA music theatre and special education double major from Birmingham, AL. Previous theatre credits include Newsies (Katherine), The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), and Godspell (Celisse). Kirsten would like to thank Lindsay, Brian, and her family for their support through this show!
Hali Everette (Assistant Director/Wig Designer) is a senior BFA music theatre major from Fairhope, AL. Some of her previous Auburn theatre credits include Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Sonya), Ordinary Days (Deb), Barbecue (Marie), and The Thanksgiving Play (Logan). Hali also serves as communications officer for AU Players. Hali thanks her family and friends for supporting her in this new journey.
Daisha Flint (Dramaturg) is a BFA performance major from Piedmont, AL. Previous AUTD credits include Orlando (Orlando), Wellesley Girl (Donna), Dare WE Defend (Devising Ensemble), Monstersongs (The Kid), Twelfth Night (Master/Priest, Feste/ Sebastian u/s), and Barbecue (Assistant Director). This is Daisha's fourth time doing dramaturgy for the department. She thanks AUTD for this and all other opportunities she has taken part in their four years in the department.
Linne Johnston (Assistant Costume Designer) is a junior BFA theatre design/tech major with a concentration in costumes from Huntsville, AL. She has previously worked on multiple productions including Ordinary Days (Costume Designer), Orlando (Draper), and Barbecue (Assistant Costume Designer).
Morgan McKenzie (Almeta) is a sophomore music theatre major from Montgomery, AL. Previous AUTD credits include Monstersongs (Werewolf/Siren Sister/Kid u/s). Morgan has been training in theatre since she was 5 years old. She loves to do yoga and to analyze movies and literature in her spare time.
Kathryn Mims (Hotel Hooker) is a junior BFA music theatre and journalism double major from Dothan, AL. Previous AUTD credits include Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Helene u/s & Ensemble), Flying/Falling (Ensemble), Fractals: Infinite Movement (Dancer) ...And Dance! (Dancer), and Pippin (Ensemble). Kathryn is excited to play the hotel hooker and would like to thank Lindsay and Brian for the amazing opportunity!
Sarah Schomburg (Featured Ensemble/Violet u/s) is a second year BFA music theatre major from Huntsville, AL, where she previously performed in Heathers (Heather Duke) and Legally Blonde (Elle Woods). Sarah is very excited to be making her AUTD debut! Sarah says to follow her on letterboxd: @cherrypop1222
Evie Slaughenhoup (Violet) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Columbus, GA. This is Evie’s fourth AUTD production; previous credits include Pippin (Ensemble), Monstersongs (Teen Vamp/Witch), and Wellesley Girl (Marie). Thank you to April and Dennis Turner, love you!
Kara Anne Smith (Mabel) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Charlotte, NC, appearing in her third AUTD show. Previous AUTD credits include Fractals: Infinite Movement (Dancer) and Pippin (Ensemble). Kara Anne made her professional theatrical debut last summer in Waterloo, IA, and will continue to perform professionally this summer.
Lily Sosebee (Calling Stage Manager) is a sophomore theatre major with a concentration in management from Kennesaw, GA. Her previous AUTD credits include Ordinary Days (Calling Manager), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (ASM), and Barbecue (ASM). She hopes you enjoy the show!
Ashleigh Vickery (Old Lady) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Decatur, AL. Previous AUTD credits include Monstersongs (Medusa/Ghost), The Children (Hazel), and Orlando (Dramaturg). To her loved ones back home who have supported her in every step of their journey — “as I’m going along, I want you with me.”
Michaela Williams (Lula Buffington) is a senior BFA music theatre major from Columbus, GA. Previous AUTD credits include Ordinary Days (Deb), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Dolokhov / Anatole u/s), Barbecue (Marie), Dare WE Defend (Devising Ensemble), The Wolves (#00), Pippin (Ensemble/Berthe u/s), and more! Michaela is also a costume shop assistant and a member of Mosaic Theatre Company. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Reid Williams (Monty) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Mobile, AL. Previous AUTD credits include Ordinary Days (Jason), Wellesley Girl (Hank), and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Andrey, Ensemble). He also loves long walks on the beach and sweet treats. Thankful to family, glory to God!
Alaya Young (Virgil/Lula u/s) is a first year BFA music theatre major from Columbus, GA, making her AUTD debut. She is an active member of AU Players. Previous credits include Shrek (Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy), Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), Memphis (Wailin’ Joe/Ensemble), and She Kills Monsters (co-director) at RMSOTA, where she served as president of Troupe 8787 of the International Thespian Society.
u/s = understudy
5 “Cs”of Resilience
We offer this season’s productions as a way to add to our collective understanding of resilience.
Developed by Dr. Joel Bennett and staff at Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems, the 5 “Cs” listed here are known as the five competencies of resilience and considered useful tools to assess our own unique resiliency skills.
Violet is a tale of the power of selfacceptance and compassion set in the South during the Civil Rights era. As Violet journeys to receive what she hopes will be a miracle cure from a faith healer, she finds joy, heartache, and self-knowledge. Through a transformative embrace of her own flaws and scars, Violet finds a path that leads towards newfound confidence.
This concludes our ‘24-25 season...
We have offered this season’s productions as a way to add to our collective understanding of resilience. Making our way through the continual changes we face individually and collectively, we hope we have learned about ourselves and each other. Questions of how we continue through difficulty, how we can thrive together, and what it means to be a community that leans on and supports one another were the focus of this season’s work. We hope you enjoyed joining in the conversation!
As You Like It
A Musical Adaptation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery
Music and Lyrics by Shaina Taub
Directed by
Ashley Butler & Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha
September 25 – October 5, 2025
Telfair Peet Mainstage Theatre
Small Mouth Sounds
By Bess Wohl
Directed by Lindsay Rae Taylor
October 23 – November 2, 2025
Telfair Peet Black Box Theatre
Dance Concert
Conceived and directed by Adrienne Wilson and Jeri Dickey
Featuring the AUTD Dance Ensemble
November 18-21, 2025
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Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Book by HUGH WHEELER
From an Adaptation by CHRISTOPHER BOND Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Directed by Andrew Schwartz
February 19-28, 2026
Telfair Peet Mainstage Theatre
Special Event
Student-Devised Workshop
Performance with Tim Miller
March 20, 2026
Telfair Peet Mainstage Theatre
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
By Christopher Durang
Directed by Scott Phillips
April 9-18, 2026
Telfair Peet Black Box Theatre
Support Theatre and Dance at Auburn University
AU Theatre and Dance students are some of the hardest working on campus. And every year we must start anew in finding ways to help support their remarkable efforts.
We are especially in need of gifts to support our Theatre and Dance Scholarship Fund. Our students depend on scholarship support to keep up rigorous academic and creative schedules, and to balance the various aspects of student life.
Please consider becoming an AU Theatre and Dance donor today, or renew your previous generous gift if you gave in the past.
Every gift, no matter the size, truly makes a difference and will mean the world to our students!
We are profoundly grateful to our generous donors. Every gift helps to support the work of our department and our incredible theatre and dance students.
We would love to thank you publicly, but we need your permission to list your name. This listing includes all donors who have given us permission to list as of the time of printing. If your name is missing and you’d like to be included, please contact us to be added to the next program.
Students at Work Students on crew during Wellesley Girl (2024):
Top: Rosemary Gross at the flyrail.
Bottom: Moreland Smith (L) and Cam Hart (R) working the deck. Photos by Henry Eiland.
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE
OUR MISSION
Theatre has the potential to foster dialogue, alter perceptions, and inspire social change. The Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is dedicated to the education and professional training of theatre artists, scholars, and audiences within a liberal arts environment.
The Department champions the interaction between theory and practice and produces citizen artists who advocate for the arts through their own work in local, national, and international communities.
Auburn University theatre and dance students think critically, creatively, and collaboratively and carry their knowledge from rehearsal spaces and classrooms to stages, campuses, and communities worldwide.
Learn more about our department and degree tracks at: auburnuniversitytheatre.org
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Department Chair: Tessa Carr
Coordinator, Student and Patron Services: Becky Henderson
Office Administrator: Vickie Murtadha
Marketing Coordinator: Magalí Zaslabsky
Graphic Designer: Ashley Butler
STUDENT STAFF
Event Staff: Romelo Blackmon, Wil Eplett, Rosemary Gross, Lily Hamilton, Kate Johnson, Abby Krehling, Presley McQuiddyGasparlin, Kate Nymark, Sarah Schomburg, Lily Sosebee, Bekah Taylor, Ashleigh Vickery, Reid Williams
Costume Studio Assistants: Linne Johnston, Tino Soto, Andrew Vance, Michaela Williams
Props Assistant: Reid Williams
Production Assistant: Abigail Bowling
Marketing/Recruitment Assistants: Olivia Beland, Hannah Carstarphen, Kara Anne Smith
Scenic Studio Assistants: Lindsey Beam, Daisha Flint, Jason Owens, Olivia Prather
Sound & Lighting Assistant: Davy Davis
Wig Assistant: Hali Everette
Follow @auburnuniversitytheatre on Facebook and Instagram
Michaela Williams, Alex Pharo, Morgan Hogans, Kathryn Mims, Emma Grace Ramb, and Tapley Cronier.
Center: Telfair Peet Theatre.
Bottom: Hali Everette works on a project in the costume shop. Photos by Henry Eiland.
