THE VIOLIN is a gothic love story inspired by a violin that has been in the creators’ family for five generations. 

The Violin is a completely original musical, including book and music, written by two sisters. The epic personal tale is full of heartbreak, intrigue and longing. Dynamic drama and lush scores reflect themes of love, sacrifice and redemption inspired by mythology, real events, and their musical ancestors. 

The Francis Sisters, along with their creative and producing teams, believe the world is ready to embrace impactful creativity.  At a time when life and art can feel divisive, bleak, or unoriginal, the Violin offers hope, healing, and inspiration.

Gothenburg Sweden 1884. 

Due to extreme classism and poverty, one in four Swedes are emigrating to America.

Fighting the tide by choosing to stay, Peter Larsen dreams of building a life with his unique talent of creating extraordinary custom violins. At the very moment he is poised to elevate his status and seize his destiny, a betrayal and a life debt compel Peter to choose the honour of others over his own aspirations.

His dreams and future fall to ruin despite his sacrifice. With quiet courage and “no doubt in the stars,” Peter mines the ashes of his life discovering there is still beauty to be found.

  • Kami Francis Nishima | Story and Music

  • Kara Francis Dudley | Script and Lyrics

The Francis Sisters, Kami and Kara, have been writing musicals since sharing a bedroom as teenagers in the '80s. While their boyfriends were listening to metal, they were cutting their teeth on Rodgers & Hammerstein, Phantom, and Les Mis, and dreaming about stages beyond their rural hometown. 

They hail from a family of musicians and composers, and their influences include everything from Vivaldi, to Queen, and Barbra. The Francis Sisters unbridled enthusiasm, work ethic, and a healthy dose of humor has made each step of the collaborative process a joy for all involved. 

Patrick O’Neill | Choreographer 

Patrick O’Neill is an American choreographer whose work has been seen on Broadway and major stages across the globe. Based in New York City with creative ties to London, he is passionate about developing new musicals that cultivate communication and understanding on both sides of the Atlantic. He is also the co-founder of The Time Step Symposium, a program that connects and supports mid-career choreographers and musicians to ensure the future of dance music on Broadway.

David Ruttura | Director 

David Ruttura is a theater director based in New York. He's the Worldwide Associate Director of The Great Gatsby, with Broadway credits including Moulin Rouge, Beautiful, School of Rock, and Network. He directs regionally, teaches at Columbia, and grew up on Long Island — where he spent high school cutting class to rush Broadway matinees, which turned out to be a viable career strategy.

  • Nathan Gehan | Executive Producer

  • Jamison Scott | Executive Producer

Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott were producers of the Old Vic’s Tony Award winning A Christmas Carol (Broadway/Tour). Other Broadway producing credits include Oh, Mary!, Job, Jeff Ross: Take a Banana for the Ride, Parade (Tour), Into the Woods (Broadway/Tour), How to Dance in Ohio, and Romy & Michele (Off-Broadway). Upcoming productions include The Bad News Bears, Beat Street, and Labelle. Nathan is the CEO and Founder of the New York City based general management firm ShowTown Theatricals, where Jamison is a Partner and Producer. @showtowntheatricals

Scott Lake | Producer

Scott Lake is an executive producer of award winning films such as The Brutalist (Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe) and a serial entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Shopify, one of the world’s leading global commerce platforms. Scott brings a founder’s discipline and strategic vision to creative ventures, supporting bold, commercially scalable storytelling across media.

Nick Blasko | Producer

Nick Blasko is an entertainment executive, award-winning manager, and executive producer with deep roots in music and live entertainment. A former Recording Academy Governor and Grammy Award nominee, he is recognized for artist development and creative leadership. His work bridges creative excellence with audience-driven success. Together, Lake and Blasko run Rifflandia Entertainment Company, producing projects across film, music, sports and live entertainment.

2018 | The Francis Sisters begin writing


2020 | First full Draft of “The Violin” completed


2021 | Staged reading, McPherson Playhouse, Victoria BC


2022 | Writing and revisions, 


2023 | Creative team development


2024 | 29 hour reading, Open Jar Studios, New York, NY

Dramaturgical work and rewrites


2025 | Table read, New York, NY

Semifinalist for the O’Neill National Music Theater Conference

Writing and revisions

Table read, New York, NY

Pre-production with creative team, New York, NY

5 week workshop, 3 full presentations, Open Jar Studios, New York, NY

  • Short Preview Archival

    October 2025
    Workshop Highlights
    Open Jar Studios
    New York, NY

    Watch 

  • Cast Recordings

    Cast recordings from the 2025 Open Jar Studios workshop.

    Listen 

Interested in learning more?