The Violet Hour
by Richard Greenberg

October 12 - November 3, 2007

Directed by Rhonda Clark

If you knew the future, would you change what you do today? Richard Greenberg's Jazz-Age fantasy "The Violet Hour" places its main character in that interesting quandary.

It's April 1, 1919, and America is in transition following the Great War. Likewise, the characters in "The Violet Hour" are on the cusp of change.

John Pace Seavering, a Princeton graduate, has returned from the war and is inaugurating his publishing company in Manhattan. As he and his office assistant pore over manuscripts, John is trying to decide what book he will publish, since he has very limited funds for his start-up business.

Although he has been inundated with writers' submissions, his two main choices are both written by people very close to him. One is a memoir written by his current lover, a famous black singer who wants to celebrate her achievements despite her humble beginnings as a sharecropper's daughter, and the other is a massive tome written by his poor best friend from college, Denis McCleary, who is desperate to demonstrate success to his wealthy girlfriend's family. As John anguishes over his decision, he wishes for a crystal ball, but soon learns to be careful what he wishes for.

A mysterious machine is delivered to his office unordered, and within a few minutes begins spewing out pages filled with information about the future. The information first confuses and intrigues John and his assistant, but as John learns more about future events, the knowledge gives heavy weight to his current life decisions. Unhappy with what destiny dishes out to his friends, John scrambles to recreate their lives.

As the action unfolds, Greenberg's charming story about ambition, loyalty and fate teaches John to pay attention to the present, enjoy one's life journey, and let go of trying to control too much today, as Time is the ultimate arbiter.

Richard Greenberg (best known for his Tony-winning TAKE ME OUT) took inspiration from the literary and entertainment world for several of his characters in THE VIOLET HOUR.

Rodney Brazil stars as John Pace Seavering, a character who is modeled somewhat on famed publisher Maxwell Perkins. Tracey Jordan Esaw portrays Jessie Brewster, a character with elements of Josephine Baker and Billie Holliday. Addison Miller is a promising writer reminiscent of a young F. Scott Fitzgerald, while Michelle Ray is his beautiful, but eccentric, girlfriend who suggests the erratic Zelda Fitzgerald. Brett Young brings to life Gidger, the publisher's high-strung, flamboyant assistant whose hilarious dialogue incorporates a century of American slang.