Jeanine Tesori

Her earlier score for "Violet" is much more similar to "Caroline" than it is to "Millie." "Millie" is an old-fashioned Broadway song score written in musical theatre idioms, but, like "Caroline," the "Violet" score goes seemlessly from country to blues to gospel to R&B. Pick up the "Violet" cast album, if you don't know it already -- it's terrific.

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Updated On: 8/30/04 at 03:19 PM

Thanks Margo. I think Ill pick that CD up.

Whoops, sorry Corine. Ill change it.

Thanks. Violet is really gorgeous. Very dark like Caroline.
I love all of her work.

I am always amazed at the complete devotion to character and story that Jeanine has in her writing. She crosses over so many styles in her writing and masters each one beautifully. Twelfth Night is very eclectic, using instruments from other cultures, folk rhythms/harmonies. Violet covers rock, gospel, country, R&B, modern musical theatre. Millie is classic song and dance writing from the Golden Age. Caroline is Blues, R&B, 60s rock, modern musical theatre. I agree with Margo that Violet and Caroline are the most similar scores, however, they are still completely different and come from a dramatic/character driven purpose. I can't wait to hear her next project. (And as others said, she's a great person. I met her after Millie one night, and she's so humble and completely willing to talk with you).

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I personally think that her ability to write with completely different styles to fit the context of the show she's writing for is truly remarkable.

She is a composer who I desperately want to like. But for some reason I have a hard time liking her work.

I love CAROLINE.

But I am not very fond of MILLIE or VIOLET.

But I am going to pull out my VIOLET Cast Recording, because I think I was just in a bad mood when I first listened to it, and it made me shy away from it.

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thanks! didn't know it was available. shows what i know!

Since seeing and listening to the Caroline CD, I have become a fan of hers. Caroline is brilliant and I intend to explore more of her music. I did not know about "Violet". It will be next on my list.

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Does anyone know what her next project is? I am so intrigued by what she will pick next. Has anyone seen Violet performed since it's original run. If so how was it?

Akiva

I don't think that anyone here mentioned that Jeanine is also married to Michael Rafter, the musical director of Thoroughly Modern Millie.
And I agree with Corine and Broadway Girl. "That she's incredibly talented and sweet".

Gah. I've expressed my love for Violet a few times before here.
I saw a local production of it over the summer...June, I think. I was completely blown away. As soon as it finished, I stood on my feet to clap for the amazing actors/singers and overall purpose of the show.

I haven't found the time to buy the recording yet... and it's making me SICK. I remember a few of the melodies, but not many. I know when I finally get the recording it will all come rushing back.

Of course, it has its light and fun moments. The dramatic moments are like others said, not dark at all but hopeful, inspirational, heartbreaking, and soulful. It's different from any other musical I've seen in theater. Why can't there be more of this like Caroline, or Change? I'm tired of this bull they pass off on Broadway these days. Yes, these shows have a message and yes, these shows have feeling. But not in the way I'd like them to. They scream overproduction and marketing and PROFIT. Granted, I know that Violet was off-Broadway where you are more than likely to find that kind of show. But that doesn't mean thought-provoking and truly MEANINGFUL shows are not fit for the Great White Way. Violet is a modest show with a GIANT heart and feeling for the human race, as corrupt as it is. I left the theater that night kind of numb. It touched me in some deep ways... kind of in the same way Sunday in the Park with George did.

I'm glad to see Violet being talked about a little more around here. :)

I think a commercial move for Violet was in the works, until the show received a very chilly, dismissive review from Ben Brantley in the NY Times. I think the rest of the notices were generally enthusiastic or even raves, but Brantley's review put the brakes on. It's one of the occasions where I think he absolutely called it wrong. Clearly, though, there would not be any sense in mounting it again while he's still at the Times...
Ben Brantrley - Violet review

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