Violet Character Question

[LucyEth]

Posted: 6/4/14 at 11:00am

Saw "Violet" last night and, while I had a marvelous time, I was a little confused by Sutton's characterization. Don't get me wrong, the woman is amazing -- and has never sounded better -- but is Violet always played so tough, cynical, defensive & standoffish? I had a hard time believing that the two men would be so drawn to her, particularly to protect her. Sutton was so hard, it was obvious she didn't need anyone's protection. It seemed to me that had she been played more vulnerable and hopeful, like an open wound, if you will, the guys falling for her so quickly would have made more sense. Was Lauren Ward that tough in the original? How have you seen it played in other productions?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/4/14 at 3:19pm

but is Violet always played so tough, cynical, defensive & standoffish?

I've seen a regional production and it was very similar, but it is very much supported by the text. From the start, we are presented with Violet's cynical view of her town and frank attitude. She keeps her vulnerability to herself and her expectations of others low.

I had a hard time believing that the two men would be so drawn to her, particularly to protect her.

The soldiers seemed intrigued by her frankness and tough-as-nails attitude in the beginning, but as they get to know her, Flick relates to her "affliction" and Monty is driven by the challenge of "winning" her, but both become attracted to her strength and conviction. She's unlike any other girl they've known and that is precisely what they like about her.

[Fan123]

Posted: 6/4/14 at 5:21pm

Just from listening to the cast recording (as usual), specifically the off-broadway Lauren Ward one, I know I got confused by some of the lyrics in 'You're Different': Monty sings of Violet that "You got no defences against me / Most other girls put a wall up around them / Then expect me to climb till I've found them". To me that latter description sounds quite a bit like castrecording!Violet. Maybe that's why the song was cut in the revival? Or, Violet's character comes through differently when the dialogue is taken into account?

Updated On: 6/4/14 at 05:21 PM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/4/14 at 6:13pm

I think her character is insecure, depressed, cynical, and very defensive. I think she plays it perfectly.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 6/4/14 at 6:37pm

I saw it last night too...{{waving}}}..First row mezz. Perfect seat!

I agree..Sutton played it to perfection..and very low key, which I liked. I thought she was very appealing because even though she was "tough", the guys saw through her act - well at least one of them did.

I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would..and thought Emerson was a charming young Violet and the guys were amazing.