Whether it be in book, TV movie, miniseries or musical I have always enjoyed the story of The Scarlet Pimpernel. I’m not sure why but it seems to in general be more popular in Utah than other places. The musical I actually think is on the forgettable side as far as the book, music and lyrics but the core story is so much fun I jump for any chance I have to see it. My Dad is also a really big fan particularly of the 1982 TV movie starring Jane Seymour and Ian McKellen.

The latest version of the musical to open is at The Ruth and it is so much fun. They truly seem to have thought of every detail and I recommend getting tickets quickly as Utah audiences are sure to grab those up right away.

If you are new to The Scarlet Pimpernel it tells a fictional account of a group of Englishmen who help save French men and women from the guillotine during the French Revolution. Their cover for this espionage is to pretend to be as fru-fru and stupid as possible making for a fun story that combines adventure, action and humor.

All the shenanigans are led by Percy Blakeney who perhaps puts on the most ridiculous persona of all in order to not be caught. He is played with delicious camp by Jordan Nicholes at The Ruth. I especially enjoyed when he is trying to get under Chase Petersen’s Chauvelin’s skin with lines like “I’m breathtaking” I love a bunch of the performers in the TThS cast so I want to try and see that one as well but this cast is great so you can’t go wrong. Rachel Bigler plays Marguerite St Just and she keeps the accent down well and I like they gave Marguerite things to do instead of just sulking as we often see. There’s even a scene where she joins in on the sword-fighting. The fight choreography by Spencer Hohl across the board is so much fun.

The production in general really elevates the average material to something memorable. It’s a tricky stage at The Ruth because they don’t have a back stage or underground stage or platforms like some of the other nearby stages have to work with. In some ways it’s kind of like a large black box but director David Morgan does all that he can with what he has. I love the choreography at the ball and opening number by Ashley Gardner Carlson. The costumes Lauri Baird are as over-the-top as they’d need to be for our band of merry men (“The Creation of Man” is my favorite song of the musical partly for this reason). I especially loved a red dress Marguerite wears in act 2.

Act II brings up the visual and sound effects to something special (sound design by Tim Riggs and lighting design Ryan Fallis.) In a limited space they are able to create ships sailing, lightning crashing, carriages racing and of course guillotines slicing. The lighting stands out in songs like “Falcon in the Dive” bringing color and emotion to one of the blander songs of the show. Towards the end there is gunshot that even caused several people to jump in their seats it was done so convincingly.

There were a few minor sound gaffes and issues the night I attended but I had a great time with The Scarlet Pimpernel at The Ruth. They have elevated a somewhat mediocre musical into something that feels special and exciting. The entire family will enjoy it. Fortunately it is playing through August 22nd and tickets can be purchased here.

The Scarlet Pimpernel has music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics and book by Nan Knighton based on the novel by Baroness Orczy. It debuted on Broadway in 1997 and ran for 772 performances.

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