By: Isaac Mathewson
For many high school girls who were excited to be in Annie this March, it will come as a disappointment to hear that FC theatre has instead decided on another show.
FC theatre director Robbie Steiner has explained the reasons why he has decided to replace the classic Annie with the lesser known musical The Scarlet Pimpernel.
“Despite the success of Les Mis, we are not going national with the show as we originally hoped,” he said. “We need a bigger money making show in order to do this.”
This decision was made just after Thanksgiving. Even though many actors and techs were looking forward to Annie, Steiner is still very excited about the upcoming show. “I’m excited for the opportunities that this will give to actors and techs this year,” he said.
The Scarlett Pimpernel tells the story of Englishman Percy Blakeney who is appalled by the atrocities of the guillotine during the French Revolution. He and his friends form “The League of the Scarlett Pimpernel” in the hopes of saving more lives. To cover up his intentions, he says that he is going to France to take advantage of the latest fashion, and he tells no one at home who he really is, not even his own wife.
The play is a musical dark comedy drama. Despite its setting and dark themes, this is a hilarious comedy that depicts the characters getting into outrageous situations. It also has music from celebrated Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn.
While he is still in the process of designing, Steiner says that the set may include what will appear to be an ancient theater from that time period. “It’s not going to be as technically challenging as Les Mis, but it will still be very technically challenging nonetheless,” he said.
Auditions for the show will take place on Wednesday, Jan.8 @ 3:45PM for high school and 7th and 8th grade boys. Auditions for girls will take place at 3:00 PM the next day. Callbacks will take place the following Tuesday at 3:00PM.
The Scarlet Pimpernel is set to take place March 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30PM, and March 9 and 16 at 2:00PM.