The UA Department of Theatre and Dance will showcase its performance of the play “Violet” at the Marian Gallaway Theatre on Monday. Tickets for the show can be purchased online.
Directed by Stacy Alley, the story takes place in 1964 and follows a young woman named Violet as she boards a bus on a trip across the Deep South, encountering characters who change the way she sees the world.
Neeley Robertson, a senior majoring in musical theatre and part of the ensemble cast, said she is “deeply excited” for viewers to finally get to see the play.
“‘Violet’ carries such a beautiful message and this cast has poured so much heart into every moment,” she said. “I can’t wait for others to experience the story we’ve been so passionately building together.”
Will T. Travis, a UA alumnus returning to be a part of the cast, said he was “greatful” to take part in the musical, which will be the last performance at the Marian Gallaway Theatre, which will be replaced by the brand-new Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts in 2026.
Travis highlighted how smooth and efficient the months of rehearsal were, crediting director Stacy Alley for her “amazing vision.”
“Hopefully audiences can see and feel the work and time we’ve all spent on this piece,” he said.
Robertson echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the cast and crew spends around 20 hours each week rehearsing.
“Beyond that, each cast member has invested time in personal research and character development, building relationships onstage that feel both intentional and authentic,” she said.
After having worked on the show for around a month and a half, both Robertson and Travis said they are grateful for the experience to finally pay off.
“It’s been one of my greatest joys being a part of this,” Travis said.
Robertson added that the preparation and rehearsals finally coming to a head with the opening of “Violet” was “truly fulfilling.”
“Collaborating with this extraordinary cast and creative team over the past six weeks has been an incredible privilege,” she said. “The discipline, artistry and empathy that have shaped this process makes it all the more rewarding. My hope is that audiences not only enjoy the performance, but also reflect on the story’s deeper truths.”
