Liberty, Equality, Fraternity — the motto of the French Revolution

By Jeff Petersen

Observer Staff Writer

Row D seat 20 is empty now.

But the McKenzie Theatre stage is a hub of activity as a design crew under the direction of former Eastern Oregon University professor Lyle Schwarz finishes the elaborate set for "The Scarlet Pimpernel."

The lavish family musical opens May 15. Directed by current theater professor Kenn Wheeler, the romantic adventure is set in Paris in May 1794 at the height of the French Revolution.

Often called Broadway's most intriguing musical, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" has a very Three Musketeers feel with ample helpings of swashbuckling and saving the heroine, Wheeler said.

The basic story is this: Sir Percy Blakeney, played by Todd Tschida, leads a group of English gentlemen who dress as French peasants to save innocent people from an overactive guillotine.

Underneath the adventure, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is a story of taking a stand no matter the cost.

When the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel saves people, Sir Percy leaves a distinctive calling card — the impression of his ring, the pimpernel (a wildflower and the family crest).

But there's more. Sir Percy is also part of a love triangle along with his new bride, the French actress Marguerite St. Just, played by Sarah Watterson, and her former beau, Chauvelin, head of the French army (Adam Guenther).

St. Just and Chauvelin are fresh off a torrid affair. Now he's blackmailing her. St. Just, meantime, fails to realize Sir Percy is the Pimpernel. He thinks she's a spy.

And so the intrigue builds.

Tschida, Watterson and Guenther lead a cast of 34 as well as music director Peter Wordelman and his 10-person orchestra. Besides playing the exciting, melodramatic music, the orchestra is in charge of sound effects. Ever try to mimic a ship's horn? A guillotine?

Another attraction of the show is its opulent costumes. Senior student Rebecca Crow faces the challenge of bringing the period to life as costume designer.

Student Emily Nash-Gray, meanwhile, is under the gun as makeup and wig designer. All the men in the show have ponytails to fit the period, and the women are bedecked in hair to make stained glass blush. Nash-Gray got help from Wheeler, who went on Tradeo, the local morning radio call-in program, and asked if anybody had wigs to spare.

Budget concerns, you know.

Two women called in and donated six wigs to the project.

Prop designer Aaron Worley has also been creative in his approach. His task is to design the many swords needed for the intricate swordplay but also to design muskets and other items. The show shifts among about 20 settings including a French prison and cafe, a ship crossing the English channel and an English palace, all of which require certain props to be convincing.

All this fast-moving swashbuckling, dancing and swordplay will be illuminated by lighting designed under the direction of student Bo Oliver.

Tickets for "The Scarlet Pimpernel" may be reserved by calling the theater box office at 962-3757. In the dead center of the theater, with great sight-lines on the heart of the action, seat 20 row D is waiting.