THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, Hale Center Theater Orem, through July 21, (801) 226-8600. Running time: 2 1/2 hours (one intermission).
OREM — There are enough ruffles and bows, swords and scallywags and visits from "Madam Guillotine" to delight any number of patrons in this production of the Broadway musical "The Scarlet Pimpernel."
Down to their very corsets and cumberbunds, the cast of this production has a fine-tuned presentation. While the show is double-cast, Brad Montgomery is the only lead to play all nights and does a wonderful job of portraying hero Percy Blakeney.
Montgomery's voice is pleasing to the ear, and his interpretations and facial expressions add a great deal to Blakeney's dual character. Blakeney's love interest and wife, Marguerite St. Just, is played by Christy Rae Turnbow. She is a fine match for Montgomery, with a lyrical voice and equal acting ability.
Tony Jimenez portrays a fierce Chauvelin, the dark character of the show. His personality matches his black attire. He, too, has a great singing voice.
The men and women that form the support cast have a full sound and add tremendously to the storyline. Two particularly fun pieces are "The Creation of Man" toward the end of Act One, and "They Seek" at the beginning of Act Two. The handkerchief routine is hysterical.
To help transform this cast into French and English aristocracy, Hale Center has opened wide the pocket book and produced one of the most lavishly costumed casts in its history. A few notes passed to the reviewer prior to the show included these facts: the costume budget was more than $20,000, with imported fabrics from Russian cashmere to embroidered silks and brocades. More than 12 yards of material are used for each ball gown and bustle. Over 80 men's suit-coats were built with more than 3,000 buttons hand-stitched onto the costumes. The show requires more than 60 hairpieces with three wigmasters backstage. Many of the boots were handmade in the East for authenticity.
The set also touts several furniture pieces that are vintage antiques from Europe. The show includes many scene changes. To the cast's credit, these changes are made so smoothly that there is little distraction for the audience.
Note: The cast reviewed was the Monday, Wednesday, Friday ensemble.
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