© Long Beach Press-Telegram
October 24, 2001
"Scarlet Pimpernel" A Total Delight
Costumes, Set and Strong Leads Make Musical Theatre West's Latest Production a Hit
by Shirle Gottlieb
Special to the Press-Telegram
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 theater 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 swash-bucking tale (all the action takes place in England and France during 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 risks 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), Chauvelin betrays Marquerite'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 Barth), a well-rehearsed cast (too numerous to name) performs Knighton's beautiful lyrics and Wildhorn's romantic score with feeling and flair. The ballads are lovely, the comic routines are hilarious, and Julie Letsche deserves a round of applause for her charming choreography (especially the grand ball scene).
In short, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is a total delight and a 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.
Shirle Gottlieb is a Long Beach free-lance writer.
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