Press Telegram By Shirle Gottlieb
Musical Theatre West's latest project, "The Scarlet Pimpernel," (lyrics by
Nan Knighton, music by Frank Wildhorn, based on a novel by Baroness Orczy),
is simply the best musical that the theatre group has produced since coming
to Long Beach. With fabulous performances, fast-paced direction, beautiful
costumes (Jane Greenwood), a full pit orchestra, plus great set (Andrew Jackness),
lighting (Raun Yankovich) and sound design (Julie Ferin), this romantic work
is a rousing smash-hit across the board. You couldn't ask for better leads
with stronger voices than the trio who carry the weight of this swashbuckling
tale (all the action takes place in England and France after the French Revolution).
Michael DeVries is simply sensational as the secret "Scarlet Pimpernel." By
day he passes himself off as Sir Percy Blakeney, a fop who preens around like
a peacock and total nincompoop. By night, he is the dashing, daring Pimpernel,
a hero who risked his life to save French citizens from the wrath of that
ruthless French Revolutionary, Chauvelin. Matching DeVries' voice and full
command of the stage in every way is Kim Huber. A long Beach beauty, Huber
plays the part of loyal Marguerite, a French actress who falls madly in love
with Percy, quits the Comedie Francais, Marries him and sails for England.
Left behind in a fit of jealous rage is Chauvelin, her evil former lover.
Roger Befeler (Huber's husband in real life) is outstanding as this cold,
jilted villain who will stop at nothing to even the score and find the Pimpernel.
A follower of Robespierre (nicely performed by Jerry Loeb, another Long Beach
resident), Chauelin betrays Marguerite's trust, blackmails her, and eventually
sends her to the guillotine. As in all heroic romances, events occur along
the way that cause grave misunderstandings between lovers who suffer in silence
at "what they don't know," while hiding the pain of the other's indifference.
We also get our share of passion, deception, betrayal and heartbreak. But
eventually, as in all heroic romances, justice prevails, evil is defeated,
and the brave lovers are forever united. Under the direction of Wayne Bryan
(with musical direction by Michael Borth), a well rehearsed cast (too numerous
to name) performs Knighton's beautiful lyrics and Wildhorn's romantic score
with felling and flair. The ballads are lovely, the comic routines are hilarious,
and Julie Letshce deserves a round of applause for her charming choreography
(especially the grand ball scene). In short, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is a
total delight and labor of love from beginning to end. This opinion was shared
by the entire audience (including children) who expressed their appreciation
with rounds of thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
