Book and Lyrics by Nan Knighton
Music by Frank Wildhorn

Directed by 

Judith Calabria Post

Musical Direction                                                                                                       Choreography

Robert J. Goldman                                                                                                     Marianne S. Lonati

Produced by Judith Calabria Post and Mike Thomas

ORPHEUM FOXBOROUGH

ATTLEBORO, MA

Featuring Jennifer Mischley and Jeffrey Prescott

 with the following cast

 (In order of appearance)

Marguerite - Jennifer Mischley
Marie - Kami Crary
Percy Blakeney (Grappin & The Scarlet Pimpernel) - Jeffrey Prescott
Chauvelin - David DaCosta
Armand - Jay Silvi
Tussaud - Mike Thomas
Mercier - Aaron Spence
St. Cyr - Brian Gustafson
Jessup - Marty West
Percy's Bounders: Jeff Mahoney, Michael Dowd, Daniel B. Kozar, Kevin Mischley, Brian Gustafson, Daniel Gravely, Pete Molitor, Neil Colvin, Mike Thomas

The Ensemble
Linda Colvin, Cathy Corcoran, Jeanne Crowley, Eileen Cusack, Aimee Doherty, Atia DeRosa, Verena Letchford, Shannon Manley, Amy Megquier, Melissa Nolan, Karen Ross, Dick Steele, Michael Thomas, Marty West

Musicians:  Heather Katz, Elana Swardlick, Barry Mirrer, Patty Yee, Tim Cote, Tom Stafford, Rachel Daly, Rick Copeland, Rob Goldman (Musical Director), Brian Grochowski, Michael Sartini, Mike Newman

REGIONAL PREMIERE COMES TO FOXBOROUGH!

Reviewed by Don Gillis, April 19, 2002

Actors Collaborative, a local Massachusetts theatre company , has been providing professional quality shows to regional residents since its inception in 1981.  This is the first time that I have been to one of their productions.  Now in its 21st season, the company 's production of The Scarlet Pimpernel is the Regional Premiere of this show as it recently left Broadway and National tours.  It is a swashbuckling musical which takes place during the French revolution.  The plot involves love, loyalty and friendship along with betrayal, jealousy and treachery.

The Scarlet Pimpernel is played by Jeffrey Prescott who makes this role come alive with his outstanding vocal numbers and his acting abilities.  Jeffrey has to switch roles from being Percy Blakeney, the English Aristocrat to the swashbuckling hero - The Scarlet Pimpernel.  His talented acting and singing will win your attention throughout. His "Creation of Man" number with his "Bounders" stopped the show for a few thunderous minutes of applause by a very supportive audience.  His musical numbers were numerous and Jeffrey met the challenge with an unbeatable performance.

His wife, Marguerite is aptly played by the beautiful Jennifer Mischley. Marguerite, an actress in the 18th century when theater was still thought of as a shameful profession is being blackmailed to spy by Chauvelin. Her husband believes that she was responsible for the capture and death of his friend the Marquis de St. Cyr , thus the birth of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Jennifer is graceful, charmingly beautiful on stage and sings so magnificently both solo and with the ensemble.  Her acting is impeccable.  She is quite a talent that lights up the stage.

David DaCosta is the devious Chauvelin who is blackmailing Marguerite.  He is obsessed with the ideals of the French New Republic vowing to destroy The Scarlet Pimpernel.  David has a powerful voice which he uses to perfection in this demanding role of the villain.  His acting  is beyond reproach and his musical numbers are powerful, passionate and will stir your emotions.  A very talented young man who certainly pleases audiences with his talent.  His musical numbers with the ensemble were top rate along with the duets with Marguerite and Percy.  His devilish portrayal was outstanding.

Percy's  Bounders  were a joy to watch as they are witty, and pose as the fanciest of "fops" so that they are not suspected as being capable of outsmarting the French by freeing the aristocrats from the guillotine.  They switch back from English "dandies" to the swashbuckling adventurers. The most memorable moment for the Bounders in this show was a show stopping number called "Creation of Man" where they are performing for the Prince of Wales (played by Pete Molitor).  This number is a riot - with costumes that will bring tears of laughter to your eyes - and the choreography is outstanding! I could not stop laughing! One of the bounders deserves special mention - Elton, played by Daniel B. Kozar (who was just one of the contributors of the most gorgeous costumes I have seen).  His delivery of his lines and his actions and mannerisms as the ''fops" had me belly laughing along with the rest of the audience.  

Jay Silvi  is believable as Marguerite's brother who has been captured by the French . The remaining supporting roles are interwoven so well to make this show believable. 

The supporting cast members added so much to this witty and passionate story.   This play is a male dominated show, but the ladies show their talents too. Kami Crary as Marie does a fine job as Marguerite's assistant - especially in the beginning when she protests the closing of the theater.  She also has ensemble numbers with the maids "Scarlet Pimpernel".  

Director, Judith Post  and Musical Director Robert J. Goldman are to be commended for bringing this REGIONAL PREMIERE to Foxborough.  You still have time to see this wonderfully produced masterpiece.  Don't miss out on this show....call for tickets..you won't be disappointed.  The audience ( a full house) on opening night gave the cast a standing and thunderous ovation which was well deserved!

ACTORS' COLLABORATIVE
THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (April 19-April 27th)
ORPHEUM FOXBOROUGH
1 School Street
FOXBOROUGH, MA
(508) 543-2787
or TTY(508) 543-3553

I love feedback - say hello

Don Gillis
Little Rhody Theater

4/19/2002