Composer

:

Frank Wildhorn

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1997

"The Scarlet Pimpernel" is a musical composed by Frank Wildhorn, with lyrics by Nan Knighton and a book by Knighton and Wildhorn. The musical is based on the novel of the same name by Baroness Orczy, which was first published in 1905. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1997 and has since been produced in numerous countries around the world. The plot of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is set during the French Revolution and follows the story of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy Englishman who leads a double life as the Scarlet Pimpernel, a hero who rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine. Sir Percy's wife, Marguerite, is a French actress who is suspected of being a spy for the French government. As Sir Percy and his band of followers continue to rescue aristocrats, Marguerite becomes caught up in the political intrigue and must choose between her loyalty to her husband and her loyalty to her country. The musical features a number of memorable songs, including "Into the Fire," "When I Look at You," and "The Creation of Man." The music is characterized by its use of rock and pop influences, as well as its incorporation of classical music elements. "The Scarlet Pimpernel" premiered on Broadway on November 9, 1997, at the Minskoff Theatre. The original cast included Douglas Sills as Sir Percy Blakeney, Christine Andreas as Marguerite, and Terrence Mann as Chauvelin. The musical received mixed reviews from critics, but was a commercial success, running for over two years and earning three Tony Award nominations. The musical has since been produced in numerous countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. The show has undergone several revisions and rewrites over the years, with new songs and scenes added to the original production. Overall, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is a thrilling and romantic musical that combines historical drama with rock and pop music influences. Its memorable songs and compelling characters have made it a favorite among audiences around the world.

More....