The Scarlet Pimpernel

A few weeks ago my husband and I went down to the Hale Theater in Orem to see one of our favorite stage musicals, The Scarlet Pimpernel. This is always one of their better productions, as evidence by the fact that they are sold out almost every night. I made sure to get our tickets back in February, which meant that we had FRONT ROW SEATS. If any of you have been to the Hale in Orem, you know it's not a large theater. Let me just say that watching a play from the front row is definitely an experience in itself. Within the first few minutes of the play I had three actors crash into my lap (I was on an aisle seat), spit on me (accidentally), and were close enough I could see the sweat on their faces (among other things). Of course I loved every second of it!

I have always been a fan of The Scarlet Pimpernel in most any form . I have read the book several times, and watched the film (starring Jane Seymour and Ian McKellan) more times than I can count. However, the thing that sets the stage play apart from both of these is the wonderful music. From the rousing Madam Guillotine, to the heartbreaking When I Look At You, the hilarious Creation of Man, and finally the stirring Into the Fire, The Scarlet Pimpernel has something for just about everyone.

My husband and I attended a Thursday night performance (which means we have actors that perform on T/Th/S) and we loved all of the characters. Marguerite was definitely our favorite actor and singing voice, with Chauvelin being a close second. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed in our Percy. I'm wondering if the M/W/F Percy was any better? I loved all of the costumes, especially all of Marguerite's beautiful clothes. It's obvious they put a lot of work into the details. If you have the chance, please do yourself a favor and go see The Scarlet Pimpernel before it closes on November 27th. For more information, please visit their website: Hale Center Theater Orem.

Needless to say, the hubby and I left the show whistling our favorite tunes all the way home.

Wicked the Musical (Chicago)

Forget everything you think you know about The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! Wicked is the untold story of everything that was happening in Oz before Dorothy dropped in. It follows the life of intelligent and ambitious Elpheba, who is born green (much to the dismay of her family and peers). Throughout the musical, Elpheba struggles to be accepted, even as she tries hard not to care what anyone thinks. After she enrolls at Shiz (a boarding school), her life seems to take a turn for the better. Away from the glaring disappointment of her father, Elpheba flourishes under the care of kind teachers, and has hopes to one day use her magical talents to join the Wizard of Oz. Unfortunately, her social life still leaves something to be desired. That is, until she meets the beautiful and popular Galinda (yes, it is Galinda...she later becomes Glinda), who is everything Elpheba is not. The two form an unlikely friendship, one that will ultimately change both of their destinies forever. The sets, costumes, and production were well worth the cost of the ticket price, and of course the music is wonderfully superb (with songs like Popular, What Is This Feeling?, I'm Not That Girl, and my personal favorite, Defying Gravity). Fans of The Wizard of Oz will love seeing details from the book dropped throughout the plot exposition; such as how the ruby slippers became ruby, why the tin man doesn't have a heart, etc. I also loved the underlying moral issues that Wicked tackles: there are two sides to every story, follow your heart, don't judge a book by it's cover, and it's OK to be yourself.

Wicked is a fantastic theatrical show that will leave you absolutely breathless with delight!