Review for Violet

I had the pleasure of seeing the Hawaii Premier of Violet at KHSPAC on Saturday night and can I just say, WOW! Now I know most people would not consider a high school production as a premier. That honor is usually only given to professional companies or community theatre productions, but this amazing cast can indeed say they were the premier.

For those of you not familiar with the story line here is a brief outline. Violet is a young woman, who got hit in the face with an axe when she was 12. On the other end of the axe was her father, who had no idea Violet was in the path of the flying axe until it was too late. Now 25 Violet is on a journey by bus to see a Televangelist whom she believes will be able to heal her scar and make her beautiful. Along the way she meets up with two military boys Flick and Monty. The story is set in the 1960's, a time of racial tension in the United States, especially still in the southern states. Flick is a negro military officer, facing his own challenges. And even though Monty starts to have feelings for Violet, Flick also has feelings for her. Facing glaring glances most of her life, Violet finds it hard to accept the friendships at first.

That is all I am going to say about the plot, don't want to give it all away. The talent was amazing. The subject matter would be hard enough for adult actors to deal with, but this cast pulled it off. Even as the audience laughed a little, hearing the classmates swearing on stage occasionally, but they didn't let that throw them.

In the principal cast is Taylor Silva (older Violet), Mariah Gonzalez (Young Vi), Victor DeMarco (father), Christian Jay Quinto (Flick), Alika Bright (Monty). However the often scene stealer was the part of the preacher played by Sean Ramsey, his flock of Seagull hair style often seemed to take on a life of its own. Jasmine Yamamoto played the part of the old lady, Hotel Singer and Mabel to perfection. Jhasmine Recto brought down the house as Lula and Music Hall Singer. Travis Namba showcased his dancing abilities in the ensemble playing a few roles as well.

Over the years KHSPAC has gotten away from the pre-recored music and starting using a live band onstage, which under the direction of Musical Director Nanilisa Pascua played a beautifully written score. The show was directed by Jen Thomas, who has moved through the ranks as Stage Manager, Acting Teacher and now director. Choreography was by Deanna Luster, the dance teacher at KHS.

 

The set design, which was simple but fun was by MJ Matsushita, the department head, and Mark Boyd. The key element of the set was the bus, which were bus seats on rolling platforms complete with a drivers seat. Since each piece was a stand alone the bus was able to move about sometimes in a single row, sometimes two by two. The seats also became the dinner booths, and the train station booths.

 

Lighting Design by Vince Liam help to set the mood.

 

Sound Design by Robert Matsushita gets a special shout out. Aside from a mic issue in the first number, ever cast member was able to be heard with never an issue of dropping voices or feedback. Anne Alves, a new comer to KHSPAC, but not to the Hawaii scene was at the helm as the stage manager.

Video projections on both stage right and left help set the scene as the bus traveled its course. All in all, I would say this is a show you don't want to miss. The subject matter might be a little heavy for the younger kids, but I wouldn't let that discourage you from bringing them because the heart of the story and the lessons you learn from it are good for kids to learn.

Violet is playing for Three weekends and tickets can be purchased at Harry's Music Store. Online at www.honoluluboxoffice.com or at the door.