Twelve-year old Olivia Carr says she loves the feeling of butterflies in her stomach when she’s on stage – a feeling she may experience for her upcoming performance, “Violet – The Musical.”
The musical, which includes a live orchestra, is a modern-day adaptation of the 1969 story, “The Ugliest Pilgrim,” by Doris Betts.
Olivia, a Lutz resident, will play the younger version of the lead character, Violet – with Brianna Filippelli as the older version.
The story takes place in 1964 and shows Violet’s journey through the U.S. South to meet an evangelist she believes will heal her of a face scar.
Olivia began acting three years ago, saying she was drawn to the stage after seeing a friend’s performance.
“I saw it — and how production came to life,” she said. “It really inspired me to go out and try it.”
While she has a prominent role, Olivia said it takes all of the actors and singers to create the show.
Olivia has always loved singing, but her parents said they weren’t aware of her desire to act and perform in public.
“We were really surprised,” recalled her mother Tami. “We didn’t know that she had this gift.”
The New Tampa Players (NTP) production of “Violet — The Musical,” will be held at the University Area Community Center in Tampa on Oct. 19 through Oct. 21 and Oct. 26 through Oct. 28.
The cast is made up of mostly adults and they’ve been supportive of Olivia – something her mother appreciates.
Olivia had performed in shows such as “Alice in Wonderland” and “Peter Pan” before she made her NTP debut this summer in “Annie.”
The production company was established in 2002 and holds open auditions for every show.
Nora Paine, NTP president, wants the power of human interaction to be the take-away from the upcoming show.
“Each person that we come in contact with, we affect their lives and they affect ours,” she said.
Proceeds from the show will go toward the NTP and tickets can be purchased online at NewTampaPlayers.org.
For additional information, call (813) 644-8285, or visit the website.
Violet – The Musical
Where: University Area Community Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., in Tampa
When: Oct. 19 through Oct. 21, Oct. 26 through Oct. 28; Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. *The Oct. 20 performance will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 per adult; $23 for students, seniors or military; $20 for group of 10 or more
Details: The performance is about a young girl’s interactions with people through the South, while on a quest to meet an evangelist.
Info: Contact the New Tampa Players at (813) 644-8285 or NewTampaPlayers.org. Tickets can also be purchased online.
Published October 17, 2018
