An 84-year-old grandfather who had traveled from Michigan was the first to rise to his feet when “The Scarlet Pimpernel” ended on opening night at Warwick High School in March 2015. He was quickly joined by audience members of every age, and for good reason.
The production, which ran for three days, had everything a good musical should: outstanding vocal performances, elaborate costumes and a script that was both funny and engaging. The only opening-night jitters seemed to be in the audience.
The story
“The Scarlet Pimpernel” is set during the French Revolution. French stage actress Marguerite St. Just is swept off her feet by Percy Blakeney, a dashing Englishman she is about to marry.
Percy has a secret. As the Scarlet Pimpernel, he leads a band of men who rescue French aristocrats condemned to “Madame Guillotine.” His orders bear the seal of the small red flower on his family crest.
When Percy learns of Marguerite’s past association with the villainous Citizen Chauvelin, who is sending families to the gallows, he suspects she may be a spy. His affection cools as he secretly travels to France with his men and his new brother-in-law. Meanwhile, Chauvelin pressures Marguerite to use her new social position to unmask the Pimpernel.
“It’s kind of like ‘Batman’ during the French Revolution,” said the student who played Chauvelin.
The performances
The actress who played Marguerite carried both the part and its heavy costumes, managing multiple quick changes while delivering a soaring soprano.
The actor playing Percy had already impressed downtown crowds a week earlier with an unamplified street performance of “Into the Fire” at Second Friday, backed by a dozen “Percy’s Men.” On stage, his jovial personality and booming voice captured the conflicted hero.
All three leads were outstanding, but the opening-night portrayal of Chauvelin was a standout. The senior, who planned to study science in college, showed strong chemistry with his castmates and real skill as both a vocalist and an actor. He did a very good job of playing a bad guy.
Percy’s Men brought exuberance to every scene. Their energy, facial expressions, frilly costumes and witty banter carried the musical along, and their line dancing was an audience favorite.
About the musical
“The Scarlet Pimpernel” is based on Baroness Orczy’s 1905 novel, one of the earliest stories about a hero with a secret identity, a template later used by Zorro, Superman and Batman. The musical, with music by Frank Wildhorn and book and lyrics by Nan Knighton, opened on Broadway in 1997 and earned a Tony nomination for best musical. Wildhorn also wrote the music for “Jekyll & Hyde.”
The story had also been adapted for film and television several times, including a 1982 version starring Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour.
A big team
Warwick’s production involved almost 100 students in the cast, crew and pit orchestra. Building sets, sewing period costumes and rehearsing a demanding score is a months-long effort for high school theater programs.
The cast previewed the show at Second Friday in downtown Lititz, giving residents a taste of the music with a rousing performance that served as the perfect advertisement.
Warwick’s theater tradition
Warwick High School has a long tradition of ambitious spring musicals that draw families and community members. Productions like this one showcase the work of music and theater teachers and offer students a chance to build confidence, teamwork and skills they carry well beyond graduation.
For those who saw “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” it was an evening to remember, and a reminder of the talent in Lititz’s schools.
This review was originally published in March 2015.