Saratoga Native Leads Tony-nominated 'Violet' In SF's Alcazar

SARATOGA, CA -- A native to this Silicon Valley haven has found safe haven in an acting role from the acclaimed civil rights-themed story called VIOLET, a 2014 Tony award-nominated play that debuted on Broadway. The show will be performed as a Bay Area Musicals Production at San Francisco's Alcazar Theatre on Geary Street from Feb. 16 to March 17.

Accomplished singer-songwriter, actress Juliana Lustenader, 26, is starring as the lead character in the musical inspired by the story "The Ugliest Pilgrim" by Doris Betts.

The musical set in the 1960s is the story of a young woman's quest for beauty amid an image-obsessed culture. Violet's face is disfigured from a childhood accident, yet she dreams of a miracle transformation through the power of faith. She hops a Greyhound bus, convinced a televangelist can heal her. The journey sends her on a path of self actualization and an awakening of what it means to be an outsider.

When asked if Lustenader believes she has a strong faith, she didn't bat an eyelash, declaring: "No."

But there were other aspects of the role that intrigued the actress.

"In many ways, I really identify with her. I think people all have scars of their own -- whether physical or mental," she said, insisting most women have experienced self-deprecating notions.

Violet, who hails from the backwoods of North Carolina, has a cutting sharp wit and delivers criticisms of herself before others can, Lustenader explained. And there lies the complexity of the role.

"There's this one thing she says that wraps herself up in a bow: 'Sometimes I stare in the mirror to prepare for what people are going to say about me,'" she said.

The singer-actress has discovered other poignant moments in the story. She befriends a black soldier on his way to Vietnam who relates to the disfigured woman, and she reciprocates.

Lustenader was aware of the story a few years ago and approached artistic director Matthew McCoy about it. The theater is a small world of sorts -- like Saratoga.

The shining Silicon Valley star most recently took the stage as Meg in 'Tinderella;' Tracy in 'Where the Boy Are;' and Mrs. T/Bad Idea Bear in 'Avenue Q .' She has also performed with Shotgun Players, Central Works, Hillbarn, Broadway by the Bay, Ray of Light and in many more local theaters.

Lustenader serves as the artistic director of Shakespeare at the Club and as a company member of Custom Made Theatre Co., and a proud graduate of SFSU’s Theatre Arts Department.

When she’s not acting, the artist may be hand-knitting a sweater or performing in the folk band Baird & Beluga.

She should be right at home with "Violet" as the show features a folk/bluegrass/gospel score from Tony Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori. This production is directed by Dyan McBride.

“As a nonprofit theatre company, Bay Area Musicals is committed to presenting art that reflects the world around us and engages our community to think, feel, react and respond to the work onstage" McCoy said. "Although 'Violet' takes place in the deep South in 1964, the judgements and prejudices that Violet faces, as a woman who is disfigured and in the company of an African American soldier, are sadly all too relevant to us in 2019. The themes and tones of this show resonate deeply."

Tickets range from $35 to $65 and may be purchased online at www.bamsf.org/violet. Opening Night Fundraiser Tickets -- available only for the Feb. 16 8 p.m. performance -- run from $50 to $100 and include dessert and a champagne toast with the cast.

--Images courtesy of Bay Area Musicals Production