'Something for everyone'

Those in Watertown Lyric Theater's latest production are on the cutting edge. And that's aside from the show's working guillotine.

"The Scarlet Pimpernel" will make its Watertown debut, and a rare showing anywhere, when Lyric Theater presents it Thursday through Saturday at the Dulles State Office Building.

Show producer Erin Brick said that new faces are bringing the production a certain flair and its director, Taylor J. LaVere, is one of the youngest directors in recent Lyric Theater history. Mr. LaVere is a 2006 Watertown High School graduate and a Jefferson Community College student.

"He loves the story and loves the music and is working to bring it to life," Mrs. Brick said. "It's a show he was determined to direct."

At a recent rehearsal, Mr. LaVere said that when he decided to tackle the show he knew it was going to be a challenge. He talked off stage, from where words of lyrics in French lightly drifted away from a group of female ensemble members led by music director Richard Muller.

"It's definitely a lot of work," said Mr. LaVere. "But this cast is great. They are always on time, easygoing and fun to work with. As much work as it is, the payback is great. We're so ready," he said, adding, "this will be a show that will blow people away."

On the heels of the March production of "Les Misérables" at Watertown High School, local audiences will get to explore another aspect of French history in "The Scarlet Pimpernel." It opened on Broadway in fall 1997 and ran for 772 performances before closing in January 2000. Music is by Frank Wildhorn, and lyrics are by Nan Knighton.

According to Tams-Witmark Music Library, "The Scarlet Pimpernel," set in 1792, is an action/adventure musical based on Baroness Emmuska Orczy's famous novel about the French Revolution.

The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel is an England-based group that works through disguise and diversion to save as many innocent lives in France as it can. It's led by Sir Percival Blakeney, who married French actress Marguerite St. Just. They become estranged when Blakeney discovers his wife sent some of his friends to the guillotine.

The rest of the plot includes blackmail, intrigue and other elements.

"It has something for everyone," said Phillip Dyke of Watertown, who plays the dual role of Blakeney and the Scarlet Pimpernel. "It has romance, drama, action and comedy."

This is Mr. Dyke's first show with Watertown Lyric Theater. He is theater technical director for the Indian River Central School District. "The overall theme is who people are and what they are hiding," he said.

Erin Hansen, in the role of Marguerite, is another Lyric Theater newcomer. Ms. Hansen moved to Fort Drum this year from Fargo, N.D., to help her sister care for her son, whose father is deployed

Ms. Hansen said one challenge of singing in the musical is her Midwest accent, which she tries to keep from creeping into her songs.

"The person who played Marguerite on Broadway must have been very talented," said Ms. Hansen. "Her range in this show is something that's challenged me since the beginning. It goes very low to very high."

But it's a role she enjoys playing. "My character reminds me of myself," Ms. Hansen said. "She's strong, sassy and independent and fights for what she wants."

Lyric Theater veteran Mick J. Mantle of Sackets Harbor plays French agent Chauvelin, whose goal is to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel.

"I enjoy playing the darker rolls," Mr. Mantle said in his baritone voice. He added that Chauvelin is a "tortured soul."

"He tries to make France better, but everything he does gets shot down by Blakeney," said Mr. Mantle.

Others in the cast: Erin LaLonde of Clayton plays Marie Grosholtz, Marguerite's best friend; Darien Sinclair of Watertown is Marie's fiancé, Philippe Tussaud; William Boulter of Watertown plays Armand St. Just, Marguerite's brother, and Steve Petrillose of Watertown plays doomed Frenchman Marquis de St. Cyr and the prince of Wales.

The Pimpernel's "Bounders," the men who assist him in rescuing France's doomed aristocrats from the guillotine, are played by Dustin Ferguson and Brian Sweeney of Watertown; Jared York of Harrisville; Todd Thompson of Sackets Harbor; Adam Clyde of Carthage and Kevin Bachman of Redwood.

Those playing various French citizens include Ryan Rusch of Redwood as Mercier and Tom Piroli of Black River as Coupeau.

In the ensemble, those from Watertown are Amanda Gonzalez, Ashley DeMar, Chelsea Allen, Victoria Allen, Elena Winn, Emily Smith, Hallie Brown, Meagan Sloan, Molly Sloan and Ryan Boyd. Tina and Emily Thompson are from Sackets Harbor.

Rounding out the ensemble are producer Erin Brick of Clayton; Amber Crone of Deferiet; Megan Kemple of Theresa; Kelcey Rusch of Redwood; and Laurie Solano-Miller of Adams.