THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater; 699 S. State, Orem; through June 24; (225-2569). Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes (one intermission).
OREM — From French Revolution to English countryside, the stage of the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater has been transformed back to 1794 for its production of Nan Knighton's "The Scarlet Pimpernel."
This famous story-turned-musical's billing touts a story of romance, intrigue and deception as Percy Blakeney (a k a the Scarlet Pimpernel) and his band of men seek to destroy Robespierre's continuous bloody destruction of his countrymen — including many of the French aristocracy.
Directed by Neal Johnson, this production is bigger than life as it fills the entire stage with cast and sets. Of all the great performers in this group, perhaps the greatest of all is the set itself, with the costumes a close second. The set is over the top with numerous moving pieces all decorated with great detailed art. "Madame Guillotine" takes center stage with some wonderful tricks up her sleeve.
Leads in this first of SCERA's summer productions include Michael Jensen (Percy/Pimpernel); Katie Cornwall (Marguerite St. Just); Tony Winkel (Chauvelin); Kylee Janis (Marie Grosholtz Tussaud); Danny Gray (Armand St. Just); and Jason Evans (St. Cyr/Prince of Wales/Robespierre).
The talented performers have many wonderful and trained voices. Standouts in the music category are Winkel and Cornwall. The ensemble has a great blend of sound and is very active all night as they double as stage crew in turning about the massive set.
Favorite music in this production includes the incredibly hilarious rendition of "The Creation of Man." These guys take "flamboyance" to a new level. Other notable tunes include "Madame Guillotine," "When I look at You," "They Seek" and "Into the Fire."
The presentation is well done, with just a couple of exceptions. The men need to have a bit more distinction between when they are being Englishmen and when they are being "flamboyant and foppish." The English are often "gentle"-men and they do love their tea, but they are not all gay. Show us the difference.
Also, some of the actors need to determine what accent they are going to have and stick with it. It is not great hearing an Englishman acting effeminate while uttering Utahnics.
E-mail: pugmire@desnews.com