If you missed last night’s opening performance of Scarlet Pimpernel at Leo Rich Theatre (260 S. Church Ave.), you are in luck. The show, performed by Desert Christian High School students, continues tonight and tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m. There are matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Deemed “Broadway’s Most Intriguing Musical,” the show “tells an intriguing tale of blood lust, heroism, and feats of derring-do, but above all, The Scarlet Pimpernel is a love story—passionate and moving, yet also humorous and inspiring,” says Desert Christian musical director Cathy Simon.
Tickets are $20 to $25 online at www.desertchristian.org. Here’s more info from a press release:
With more than 100 cast and crew members required to mount a full production of the ‘Scarlet Pimpernel,’ Desert Christian High School, whose student body numbers less than 200, has its work cut out for it. However, like the show’s hero at the battlefront, fearless musical director Cathy Simon, forges ahead undaunted, “To commemorate Desert Christian’s twenty-fifth anniversary, I wanted to present something sensational, something original and, as always, something challenging to the students. We are thrilled to be to be the first organization in Tucson to produce this wonderful Tony Award-nominated musical.”
‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ is a riveting action adventure set during the French Revolution’s infamous ‘Reign of Terror.’ Frank Wildhorn and Nan Knighton’s musical adaptation of Duchess Orszy’s classic story features a cast of unforgettable characters, particularly the title’s hero, which introduced modern-day audiences to the concept of “the masked crusader.” A captivating musical score, elaborate costumes, and multiple sets transport audiences back to the 18th century, from the fashionable courts of England to the grisly guillotine of war torn France.
This article appears in Nov 17-23, 2011.
The show was fantastic. It really delivered. Singing-check. Large cast numbers-check. Humor, intrigue, romance-check, check, check. Why even the opulent costumes, hair, and makeup were worth seeing. There were so many unexpected gems throughout. At my age, when you have seen most shows, it is doubly enjoyable to see something new and scintillating as this production I loved it so much, I am going back to see it.
What an amazing job. It was hard to believe that these were just High School Students on stage. You don’t want to miss this one. I will be going back to see it again tomorrow!
I am a Desert Christian alumni who has been involved in the musical theater program and it is definitely one of a kind. The students put in countless hours of work and the chorus is just as animated and intriguing as the leads. I had never even heard of this show, and I ended up going a second time I loved it so much! The music is outstanding and the story is riveting. It was hilarious, heart-wrenching, suspenseful, and fun. Such a great show. I am SO proud of all my friends who were involved, including my sister! Desert Christian’s theater is like nothing you have ever seen before! You guys were absolutely BRILLIANT!