VIOLET the musical | Saranac Lake | August 5-14, 2026
- Pendragon Theatre 56 Woodruff Street Saranac Lake, New York, 12983 United States (map)
Violet Brings a Tony-Nominated Musical Journey to Pendragon Theatre
Hop aboard Violet’s journey.
A powerful musical arrives in the Adirondacks.
Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake presents Violet, the acclaimed musical by Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley, from August 5–14, offering Adirondack audiences an unforgettable evening of live theatre.
Performed at the region's only year-round professional theatre company, this moving musical follows one woman's cross-country bus journey in search of physical healing, only to discover something far more profound along the way.
Set against a richly American musical backdrop of folk, gospel, blues, and roots music, Violet is equal parts heartfelt road trip, emotional character study, and uplifting theatrical experience. Whether visitors are planning a getaway to Saranac Lake or looking to add a cultural stop to an Adirondack vacation, this production deserves a place on the itinerary.
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What Violet is about.
The story centers on Violet Karl, a young woman whose face bears a prominent scar from a childhood accident. Believing that a famous televangelist can heal her, she boards a Greyhound bus bound for Oklahoma.
Along the journey, Violet encounters strangers who challenge her assumptions about herself, beauty, faith, and acceptance. The friendships she forms—and the experiences she shares—ultimately reshape her understanding of what it truly means to be whole.
The title character, Violet, from North Carolina with a facial scar from a childhood accident
Originally premiering Off-Broadway in 1997, Violet earned the Drama Critics' Circle Award and Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical before enjoying a Tony Award-nominated Broadway revival in 2014. Today, it remains one of the most admired contemporary American musicals.
Music that stays with you.
Composer Jeanine Tesori's score moves effortlessly between American roots music, bluegrass, folk, gospel, and soaring Broadway ballads. The result is a soundtrack that feels intimate one moment and electrifying the next.
Directed by Sarah Norris, with music direction by Andy Evan Cohen and choreography by Artie Ross, Pendragon's production promises both emotional depth and dynamic performances. It's the kind of musical that leaves audiences humming the songs long after the curtain falls.
Pendragon Theatre has shaped Adirondack culture for more than four decades.
For more than 40 years, Pendragon Theatre has been one of the Adirondacks' most important cultural institutions. Founded in 1980 with little more than ambition, a modest budget, and a dream of bringing professional theatre to the mountains, the company has grown into a respected destination for audiences throughout the North Country.
A pivotal scene from Violet in a roadside diner.
Pendragon has welcomed celebrated performers—including five-time Tony Award winner Julie Harris—and built a reputation for thoughtful productions that challenge, entertain, and inspire. Beyond the stage, its educational programs introduce hundreds of students to live theatre each year, helping cultivate the next generation of performers, writers, and audiences.
For travelers, Pendragon offers something many Adirondack itineraries overlook: world-class performing arts in a relaxed mountain village setting.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Plan dinner in downtown Saranac Lake before the performance and allow extra time to stroll the village streets. Pairing a meal with an evening at Pendragon makes for one of the Adirondacks' most rewarding arts-and-culture outings.
Why this production is worth the trip.
The Adirondacks are known for lakes, mountains, and outdoor adventure, but places like Pendragon Theatre remind visitors that the region's cultural landscape is equally compelling.
Violet offers a moving story, exceptional music, and a welcoming theatre experience that complements a day spent exploring nearby Lake Placid, the High Peaks, or Saranac Lake's vibrant downtown. It's an ideal evening for theatre lovers, couples, weekend travelers, and anyone looking for an Adirondack experience that lingers long after the applause.
Performances run August 5–14. Visitors should check Pendragon Theatre's official website or Facebook page for performance times, ticket availability, and the latest updates.
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FAQ
When is Violet playing at Pendragon Theatre?
Performances run from August 5 through August 14.
Where is Pendragon Theatre located?
Pendragon Theatre is located in Saranac Lake, New York, in the heart of the Adirondacks.
What is Violet about?
The musical follows a young woman traveling across the country seeking a miracle cure, only to discover a deeper understanding of beauty, faith, and herself.
Is Violet appropriate for all ages?
The musical explores mature emotional themes but is generally appropriate for teens and adults.
How long has Pendragon Theatre been part of the Adirondacks?
Pendragon Theatre has served the Adirondack community as a professional theatre company for more than 40 years.
Where can I find tickets and updates?
Visit Pendragon Theatre's official website or Facebook page for current schedules, ticket information, and updates.
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