Tag Archives: The Scarlet Pimpernel

A&E, Isaac Mathewson

‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ provides actors new opportunities

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By Isaac Mathewson
As FC Theater’s spring production of The Scarlet Pimpernel fast approaches, theater director Robbie Steiner provides news that may interest and excite theater buffs.
As he has already stated, The Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic musical that tells the story of Sir Percy who rescues prisoners from the guillotine during the French Revolution and hides his true identity by disguising himself as a foppish playboy. “The Scarlet Pimpernel has beautiful music and has a funny script,” said Steiner.
For this show, the three leads are FC senior Collin Jackson as Percy, by junior Madeline Coffey as his wife Marguerite and senior Clay Gulley as the main antagonist Chauvelin. Steiner believes that they are fit for their parts and are well prepared.
According to Steiner, rehearsals have been going well so far but the many snow days have been taking away a lot of time and have put the actors behind schedule. However, he has stated that everything will be ready by opening night.
Steiner has also stated that the lead roles are going to be different from any of the other roles that the actors have had. There are going to be scenes with sword fighting in which Gulley and Jackson have been trained to do. Steiner has noted that while the swords are props, the actors are still at risk of being injured.
The Scarlet Pimpernel is set to take place on March 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and March 9 and 16 at 2:00 p.m.
A&E, Uncategorized

The Scarlet Pimpernel replaces Annie

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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.