Palm Springs, Calif., (January 31, 2023) – Baroness Orczy’s classic novel, The Scarlet Pimpernel, is now a sweeping and exciting musical by lyricist/book writer Nan Knighton and composer Frank Wildhorn. This lavish musical, directed and choreographed by multi-Desert Theatre award-winner Derik Shopinski creatively combines history with dynamic music and a swashbuckling storyline. It’s 1794 and “Madame Guillotine” is busily balancing the scales between the classes; as France’s Reign of Terror surges forward, a brave band of Englishmen risk their lives to rescue the intended victims of the guillotine. Their leader and hero is an enigmatic master of disguise known by his calling card: the red, star-shaped wildflower known as the Scarlet Pimpernel.
The tale of The Scarlett Pimpernel begins in a theatre in France. The heroine Marguerite, played hauntingly by Se Layne, is performing with her troop; she announces it is her last performance as she has met and fallen in love with a handsome English Lord, Percival Blakeney, played with panache by Paul Grant. The show is abruptly halted in the name of the Revolutionary Tribunal by Citizen Clavelin, Marguerite’s former lover – played with dastardly intent by Eric Stein-Steele. Blackmailed by Chavelin, Marguerite reluctantly assists him by revealing the location of St. Cyr who is slated for execution. This provides the foundation for this not-to-be-missed adventure, which resonates with historical references and is filled with undercurrents of love, sacrifice, deception and loyalty.
The Scarlet Pimpernel runs February 10-March 5. Show times are 7 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $38 for adults; $34 for seniors; $17 for students. Group discounts are available.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or other information, call the PCT Box Office at (760) 323-5123 or order online at PalmCanyonTheatre.org. Palm Canyon Theatre is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Box Office hours are currently Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
# # #
About Palm Canyon Theatre:
Palm Canyon Theatre is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the education of live stage production and the enrichment of the greater Palm Springs community and its visitors. The regional repertory theater company operates primarily with volunteers and produces about 13 Broadway musicals and classic plays each year, plus offers a children’s theatre camp and production. The theatre opened its doors in 1997 when Dr. William “Bill” Layne and his family renovated the historic Frances S. Stevens School located at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road in Palm Springs, Calif.
