The Scarlet Pimpernel - Fun and Frivolity Amidst the Mayhem

Reviewed by Judd Hollander

Given the popularity of The Scarlet Pimpernel, whose premise gave rise to numerous latter-day costumed superheroes, it’s somewhat surprising the property has only made it to The Great White Way twice. First as a straight play in 1900, and then as a musical almost a century later. Manhattan Concert Productions offering a stirring, if somewhat over the top one-night-only concert performance of the Nan Knighton/Frank Wildhorn 1997 Broadway vehicle as part of their "Broadway" series at David Geffen Hall at New York’s Lincoln Center on February 18.

The story takes place in Paris and England in the aftermath of the French Revolution, during the period commonly known as the “reign of terror”, circa 1792-1794. Where numerous members of the overthrown French aristocracy were condemned to death by the now-empowered masses. Their executions carried out via the unmerciful slice of the guillotine, and often accompanied by the cheers of bloodthirsty crowds. Among those in charge of maintaining order for this new Republic, and thus making sure those condemned have their sentences carried out, are French Agents Robespierre (Drew Gehling) and Chauvelin (Norm Lewis).

Like many people living in England, Lord Percy Blakeney (Tony Yazbeck) looks at what is going on in France with revulsion, but doesn’t consider doing anything to stop it. That is, until he receives word that someone he knew in Paris has been executed, along with his entire family. Determined to no longer simply “sit on his British ass” and enlisting a group of like-minded friends to help him, he forms a secret society dedicated to rescuing imprisoned French nobles and spiriting them to safety. In order to protect their identities, Blakeney and his crew adopt an exaggerated aura of foppish foolery, thus deflecting any suspicion from the authorities - either French or English - that might come their way. The group’s sign of recognition, the symbol of a flower that grows near the Blakeney home - a scarlet pimpernel.

Complicating matters for Percy is the fact he has just married the former French actress, Marguerite St. Just (Laura Osnes), after a whirlwind six-week courtship. He finding out soon after their wedding it that was Marguerite who betrayed his friend in Paris to Chauvelin. Finding himself no longer able to trust the woman he loves, he becomes cold and distant to her. Marguerite meanwhile, who had no idea what Chauvelin was planning to do with the information she gave him, and unable to understand the sudden change in Percy, finds herself becoming more and more disgusted with her husband’s seemingly unconcerned actions about everything. Marguerite’s situation becoming even more dire when Chauvelin, now the French Envoy to England, attempts to blackmail her so she will aid him in discovering the Pimpernel’s identity.

Besides being a rousing adventure of the old school, complete with secret identities and star-crossed lovers, The Scarlet Pimpernel offers a serious lesson about the cost of taking a stand for what you believe in. It is an issue which threatens to consume Percy and Marguerite as they struggle to determine just who they can trust. And where the wrong choice can mean their deaths, as well as the deaths of those they care for. This point also nagging at the thoughts of Chauvelin who, while a passionate member of the new French order, with a great contempt for the old aristocracy, finds himself wondering if the cause he has fought for has gone too far in its attempt to right past wrongs. These matters all coming to a head in a very powerful first act closing number.

The underlying elements of a great story are all present in the MCP offering, Sadly, Gabriel Barrie's directorial efforts often take the work in the wrong direction. Particularly when it comes to the character of Percy, someone who has little enough shading to begin with. Percy may firmly believe he is fighting the good fight, but having such a clear definition of right and wrong, with little or no gray area, doesn’t make him all that interesting. In an attempt to compensate, Barrie plays up much of the humor of Knighton's book. He taking Percy's foppish actions, and those of his friends, to such an extreme it quickly becomes annoying. Something not really necessary, as there are several musical numbers that already nicely address the issue. Such as "They Seek Him Here", a sequence which takes place at the court of the Prince of Wales (Gehling).

This problem of exaggeration is even more evident in the show's finale, when the entire production becomes something akin to a British pantomime. True, parts of it are rather cute – especially when Lewis and Yazbeck compete in a dance-off, but it also takes away from the inherent suspense of the work and feels like a dumbing down of the source material.

The show’s score is quite good and ideally, should have been a joy to hear, thanks to the excellent efforts of the New York City Chamber Orchestra, under the very capable baton of music director Jason Howland. Frank Wildhorn's music especially coming through loud and clear. Unfortunately, there is a constant problem with Dave Horowitz's sound design, with Knighton's lyrics all too often getting lost in the vast venue, making it hard to really appreciate the full impact of the songs. 

The production's use of "an ensemble chorus of aspiring artists from around the world", according to the show program, is a wonderful idea and certainly works when they are portraying angry French citizens hurling "garbage" at those soon to die, or as participants at a masked ball in England. Though at other moments their adding their voices to the cacophony of sound that already exists ends up as something of a mess; with one unable to clearly hear what is being sung. This was especially evident with such numbers as “Madame Guillotine” and “Into the Fire”.

The three leads in the show all acquit themselves well. Despite some of the problems mentioned above with Percy, Yazbeck completely submerges himself in the role and nicely conveys the firmness of the character's resolve. He also convincingly brings forth the feelings of a tortured soul in "When I Look At You", where he displays the depths of the love he feels for Marguerite, but is unable to express aloud.

Osnes is excellent as Marguerite, and handles the French accent quite nicely. She being able to showcase both her love for Percy, and her desperation to keep certain elements of her past from coming to light. She also showing Marguerite to be, when push comes to shove, someone determined enough to take matters into her own hands. The character also having her own “double identity” to juggle. One as a French actress/singer, and one as an accepted member of English society.

Lewis makes a very strong Chauvelin. His powerful bearing and voice showing him to be a perfect fit in the role. His portrayal also offering some hints of a man with an interesting history of his own. One the audience is only offered the briefest of glimpses. Yet it is also one Chauvelin cannot quite forget, even as he continues his obsessive pursuit of what he believes to be the greater good.

The rest of the cast was okay, but came off as somewhat interchangeable in their roles. Notable exceptions being Corey Cott as Marguerite’s younger brother Armand, and Dana Costello as Marie Grosholtz.

Caite Hevner does a nice job with the set. One being treated to the sight of a gigantic French flag draped above the stage when first entering the venue. The effect giving the appearance of a political rally. That is, until one’s eyes focus on the large guillotine that is prominently displayed. Jason Kantrowitz's lighting effect help enhance this duel feeling of celebration and danger. Good work also by fight director Rick Sordelet.

While quite enjoyable, the MCP presentation of The Scarlet Pimpernel didn't always didn't rise to the heights it could have. This thanks to some serious overacting, and the habit of giving away certain plot points before their time, simply to get a quick laugh. Overall however, the pluses of the evening outweighed the minuses.

Featuring: Ashley Blanchet (Ensemble), TyNia Brandon (Ensemble), Dana Costello (Marie Grosholtz), Corey Cott (Armand St. Just), Alysha Deslorieux (Chloe/Ensemble), Kevin Duda (Hal/Coupeau/Ensemble), John Treacy Egan (Ozzy/Ensemble), Drew Gehling (Robespierre/Prince of Wales/Marquis de St. Cyr/Jessup), Kevin Kern (Ben/Mercier/Ensemble), Norm Lewis (Chauvelin), Ashley Loren (Ensemble), Alex Newell (Elton/Ensemble), Laura Osnes (Marguerite St. Just), Eliseo Roman (Dewhurt/Ensemble), Sara Sheperd (Ensemble), Yasmeen Sulieman (Helene/Ensemble), Tony Yazbeck (Sir Percy Blakeney).

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Book and lyrics by Nan Knighton

Music by Frank Wildhorn

Caite Hevner: Set Design

Jason Kantrowitz: Lighting Design

Dave Horowitz: Sound Design

Heather C. Jackson: Costume Design

Chris Zaccardi: Production Stage Manager

Willy Kinch: Assistant Stage Manager

Jennifer Paulson Lee: Associate Director & Choreographer

Lauren Widner: Assistant Director

Sordelet Inc: Rick Sordelet: Fight Director

Jackson Miller: Associate Lighting Designer & Programmer

Telsey + Company: Casting

Juniper Street Productions: Production Manager

Manhattan Concert Productions: Producer & General Manager

Jason Howland: Music Director & Conductor

Directed by Gabriel Barre

Presented by Manhattan Concert Productions (www.mcp.us)

David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center

Running time: 2 hour 45 minutes, with one intermission

Presented on February 18, 2019

The Dance of Death - Two People Praying for the End

Reviewed by Judd Hollander

"Death will come and then perhaps, life begins." A line at the end of August Strindberg's bitter comedy The Dance of Death which best sums up what the two main characters are feeling. Written in 1900, this tale of a long-suffering couple bound together by love and hate is given fresh life thanks to a powerful new version by Conor McPherson and crackling direction from Victoria Clark. The show running in repertory at Classic Stage Company with Yael Farber's adaptation of Strindberg's Miss Julie.

Set at a military island outpost off the coast of Sweden at the beginning of the 20th Century, Edgar (Richard Topol), an aging career solider close to retirement, and his somewhat younger wife Alice (Cassie Beck), have been married for almost 25 years. However from the outset it becomes clear neither can stand to be in the presence of the other. Any hint of happiness or contentment having long since disappeared via years of verbal digs and spiteful comments. Ones ranging from Edgar's complaining about Alice's piano playing, to Alice never failing to remind Edgar how she forsook her stage career in order to marry him.

Drawn into this conflict is Kurt (Christopher Innvar), a man newly assigned to the island garrison, and whose past interweaves with both Alice and Edger. Their prior encounters may also have something to do with why Kurt left his wife and family more than 15 years earlier. Though Kurt, at first glimpse, now seems to be on the proverbial straight and narrow, it’s not long before his own inner demons - ones he thought long put to rest – begin to emerge as he finds himself being pulled into the hell Edgar and Alice have created.

(L-R) Christopher Innvar, Cassie Beck and Richard Topol in The Dance of Death at Classic Stage Company. Photo by Joan Marcus.

While the venom Alice and Edgar have for each other may be obvious, what takes longer to recognize is the deep affection that's still present between them. Disgusted over how their lives have turned out, both are still unwilling to cast off the devastation their marriage has become. The two locked in mortal combat for so long that without it, each would basically cease to exist. This poisonous bond the reason for the most dysfunctional relationship to hit the stage until Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Indeed, there are more than a few echoes of Strindberg in that later work. Particularly with a very nasty game of "get the guests" – or in this case, "guest".

As the battle between Alice and Edgar becomes ever more bitter, Kurt finds himself not only trapped in the crossfire, but also unsure of exactly who to believe; and thus offer his support and sympathy. It’s this yin and yang effect, one beautifully executed by the entire cast and creative team, that makes the show so fascinating to watch. Alice and Edgar each trying to play the sympathy card, only to have their efforts morph into a desperate need to come out on top, no matter who is actually in the right. The entire experience akin to watching an impending head-on collision of two locomotives racing toward each other at full speed. One completely unable to look away from the inevitable destruction, while at the same time wondering in what condition(s) the combatants will emerge in the aftermath.

McPherson and Clark must be also be commended on the way they are able to make the production continually walk a fine line between black comedy and bleak drama. All while still allowing enough space for Beck and Topol to explore just who Alice and Edgar are under the layers of virtual armor they always wear. These two elements of the story are played so close together, there were times the audience wasn’t sure whether to laugh or gasp during some of the exchanges. Another particularly nice touch was how both characters silently made their initial appearance in the show. Not so much walking as gliding silently onto the stage and then beginning an almost macabre dance with each other. One setting the tone for much of what follows.

Cassie Beck and Richard Topol in The Dance of Death at Classic Stage Company. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Topol gives a fine performance as Edgar. A somewhat mealy-mouthed sort who clings to his supposed principles as if they were the holy scriptures. He blaming his failure to move further in his career - he has only achieved the rank of captain - because of his continual refusal to play the political games necessary for advancement.

Beck is excellent as Alice, perfectly matching Topol in their characters' back and forth struggle for supremacy. Beck showing Alice to be a perennially angry soul, who takes her misfortunes out on everyone in her orbit. A main reason the couple can never keep any household staff. Yet in reality, both Alice's and Edgar's outbursts are little more than excuses for their own failures. They choosing to blame others for their actions - ones which have left them virtually ostracized by the rest of personnel on the island - rather than even think of accepting some of the fault themselves.

Innvar does well as Kurt, a sort of stand-in for the audience, as he tries to sort out the stories Edgar and Alice tell - while at the same time trying desperately to hold on to his own dignity and moral compass. An effort which soon gives way to his just trying to survive their onslaught one piece.

Quentin Chiappetta's sound design efforts - which include the sounds of the ocean, seagulls and a off-shore marker buoy - do an essential job in bringing forth the feelings of isolation and loneliness which are central to the story. Nicely adding to this effect are the different set pieces of furniture by David L. Arsenault; said objects all appearing well-worn from years of use. Lighting by Stacey Derosier also works well here, particularly in the opening sequence.

A sobering tale about how the feelings of love and hate are two sides of the same coin, this production of The Dance of Death hits the mark perfectly while being a textbook example of how to blow the dust of a work more than a century old without taking away its original intent.

Featuring: Cassie Beck (Alice), Richard Topol (Edgar), Christopher Innvar (Kurt)

The Dance of Death

By August Strindberg

In a New Version by Conor McPherson

Scenic Design: David L. Arsenault

Costume Design: Tricia Barsamian

Lighting Design: Stacey Derosier

Sound Design: Quentin Chiappetta

Original Music: Jeff Blumenkrantz

Fight and Intimacy Direction: Alicia Rodis, Claire Warden

Production Stage Manager: Roxana Khan

Assistant Stage Manager: Janelle Caso

Properties Designer: Alexander Wylie

Casting: Telsey + Company, Adam Caldwell, CSA
                William Cantler, CSA, Karvn Casl, CSA

Press Representative: Blake Zidell and Associates

Directed by Victoria Clark

Presented by Classic Stage Company

136 East 13th Street

Tickets: 212-352-3101 (toll free: 866-811-4111) or www.classicstage.org

Running Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes, no intermission

Closes: March 10, 2019

Call Me Madam - Bright, Bouncy, and at times creaky

Reviewed by Judd Hollander

Given the state of things in the world today, one would think the time would be prefect for a revival of the 1950 Broadway musical, Call Me Madam. The show currently being given a such treatment as part of the Encores! series at New York City Center. With a score by Irving Berlin, a book by Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse, and starring Ethel Merman, this gentle political satire originally ending up running for a total of 644 performances.

In Washington, DC, transplanted Texan Mrs. Sally Adams (Carmen Cusack), is the reigning socialite on the political circuit. Her parties are "must attend" events for everybody who's anybody, and where those of competing political stripes can talk, mingle and relax. Even if a problem does occur at one of her gatherings, Sally is always ready with a quick remark to defuse any potential danger.

Carmen Cusaack and Jason Gotay in Call Me Madam. Photo by Stephanie Berger

Sally is also about to broaden her horizons, having just been appointed U.S. Ambassador to the tiny country of Lichtenburg. A somewhat poor nation that's "too small to be a city and too big to be a town", Lichtenburg is also a place on the cusp of change. The younger generations wanting to move into the modern era, with the older ones generally preferring to follow more traditional values - including dressing in the more time-honored Lichtenburg apparel.

It quickly becomes apparent that Sally, who has been instructed to improve relations between the two countries, is ill-prepared for the restrictions of diplomatic protocol and other international niceties. At times having a bull in a china shop mentality, her preferred method of action is to simply throw money at whatever problem she faces. A solution a visiting U.S. Congressional Committee readily agrees with, but one which Cosmo Constantine (Ben Davis), a Lichtenburg official, is adamantly opposed. A self-described holder of both liberal and conservative values, Cosmo wants to get his country get back on its feet economically without any foreign aid - or the strings that come with it.

Cosmo and Sally's continual disagreement on this point soon threatens the internal stability in Lichtenburg; there being those in Cosmo's government all too eager to accept whatever the U.S. has to offer. While Sally tries to find a way to make everybody happy, and also keep her budding romance with Cosmo on an even keel, her young and idealistic assistant Kenneth (Jason Gotay) further complicates matters between the two countries by falling in love with the Princess of Lichtenburg (Lauren Worsham). Such fraternization between commoners and royalty being strictly forbidden.

Carmen Cusack and Ben Davis in Call Me Madam. Photo by Stephanie Berger

Offering a classic fish out of water story, as well as a spoof of foreign relations, and peppered with numerous political asides - many of which had the audience applauding - Call Me Madam is a slight and winsome tale, which invokes a sense of nostalgia for a seemingly simpler time. However for the show to work properly in this modern era, the property needs a top-notch team to bring the story to life. This particular production unfortunately, suffers from numerous missteps. Many of which are the responsibility of director Casey Hushion, who seems unable to decide how to best showcase the material. The various scenes often coming across as listless and disjointed, rather than anything that feels like a continually flowing narrative. One also can't help but wonder why some of the people of Lichtenburg talk with an accent and others do not.

Another problem is that Cusack is somewhat miscast as Sally. While she does a great job in the role, and has a wonderful singing voice, her somewhat laid-back approach to the character allows the weak points in the production to become more noticeable. As opposed to Merman or someone else of that ilk, who would allow their personality to really take over the part and thus draw the audience's attention to them, rather than what was going on elsewhere on stage.

That's not to say there isn't a lot to like in the show. The entire cast projects an infectious enthusiasm in their performances and the Berlin score is a joy to hear. Musical highlights includes the enjoyable "Mrs. Sally Adams"; the rather sweet "It's A Lovely Day Today", as sung by Gotay and Worsham, the latter who loses her Lichtenberg accent at points; the whimsical "You're Just In Love"; and Cusack's very fine rendition of "The Hostess with the Mostes' On the Ball". There's also the deliciously comical "The Ocarina", the national dance of Lichtenberg, which is hilariously presented from start to finish.

The Call Me Madam Ensemble. Photo by Stephanie Berger

Davis makes an excellent foil for Cusack. His Cosmo being a firm, upright sort, with just the right amount of a European cultured feel. He's also never met anyone quite like Sally and is completely unsure how to deal with her - at least at first. It also helps tremendously that the two actors have a strong onstage chemistry and project a smoldering tension between their characters. They also bring off their musical duets together quite well.

Gotay and Worsham are fine as Kenneth and Princess Maria, though neither character is particularly well-developed. Completely stealing the show in what is basically a glorified cameo are Darrell Hammond and Carol Kane as Maria's parents, the Grand Duke and Duchess of Lichtenberg. Their appearance also helping to tie up at least one major plotline.

Also deserving of mention are Adam Heller, Jason Gotay and Brad Oscar, playing three members of Congress who, like all good lawmakers, are quickly able to adapt to whatever changing situations that come up. Such as responding to Cosmo's refusal of U.S. aid by doubling their original offer. They are also wonderful in "They Like Ike", a not-so-subtle musical reminder of how one party's political power can suddenly come to an end.

Denis Jones' choreography is enjoyable, as is Rob Berman's musical direction. Berman also conducting the Encores! Orchestra, which gives its usual impeccable performance here.

Call Me Madam, a reference to Sally Adams' title, Madame Ambassador, offers a lot of enjoyment, and more than one political truism which still resonates in today's world. However all too often, this Encores! offering chugs along when it should soar and meanders when it should be tightly focused. It's not so much a bad production as a missed opportunity.

Featuring: Carmen Cusack (Sally Adams), Christopher Gurr (Henry Gibson/Ensemble), Adam Heller (Congressman Wilkins), Jason Gotay (Kenneth Gibson), Brad Oscar (Senator Gallagher), Stanley Wayne Mathis (Senator Brockbank), Michael Benjamin Washington (Pemberton Maxwell), Ben Davis (Cosmo Constantine), Randy Rainbow (Sebastian), Lauren Worsham (Princess Maria), Darrell Hammond (Grand Duke Otto), Carol Kane (Grand Duchess Sophie).

Florrie Bagel (Ensemble), Daniel Berryman (Ensemble), Taeler Elyse Cyrus (Ensemble), Leslie Flesner (Ensemble), Ta’Nika Gibson (Ensemble), Leah Horowitz (Ensemble), Javier Ignacio (Ensemble), Max Kumangai (Ensemble), Matt Loehr (Ensemble), Brandt Martinez (Ensemble), Skye Mattox (Ensemble), Timothy McDevitt (Ensemble), Harris Milgrim (Ensemble), Bethany Moore (Ensemble), Mary Page Nance (Ensemble), Robert Roby (Ensemble), Kathy Voytko (Ensemble), Sumi Yu (Ensemble), Ricardo A. Zayas (Ensemble).

Call Me Madam

Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin

Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse

Scenic Designer: Allen Moyer

Costume Designer: Jen Caprio

Lighting Designer: Jason Lyons

Sound Designer: Scott Lehrer

Music Coordinator: Seymour Red Press

Original Orchestrations: Don Walker

Concert Adaptation: Bill Russell and Charles Repole

Production Stage Manager: Karen Moore

Casting: Binder Casting, Jay Binder CSA, Mark Brandon, Justin Bohon

Featuring: The Encores! Orchestra

Choreographed by: Denis Jones

Music Director: Rob Berman

Directed by Casey Hushion

Presented by Encores! at New York City Center

131 West 55th Street

Tickets: 212-581-1212 or www.NYCityCenter.org

Running Time: Two Hours, 25 Minutes, with one intermission

Closes: Sunday, February 10, 2019

Call Me Madam is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals