The Scarlet Pimpernel - 2010

Dates: 19th - 24th April

Following our hugely successful production of The Producers in 2009 we are delighted to present our show The Scarlet Pimpernel for 2010 which will run at the Wexford Opera House from the 19th to 24th April.

Composed by Frank Wildhorn and written by Nan Knighton, the musical had its world premier on Broadway on the 7th October,1997 and had sell-out performances. Since then it has been a huge success, touring the world.

The show will run from 19th to 24th April at 8 p.m. nightly. Booking for the show will be done by the Wexford Opera House Tel. 053-9122144 or e-mail www.wexfordoperahouse.ie

Part intrigue, part love story, past swashbuckling action the Pimpernel’s character has his setting in the streets of Paris, which was awash with blood in the 1700.s as Robespierre and his henchmen sent hundreds of French aristocrats to the guillotine.

Against this backdrop one unknown Englishman, Sir Percy Blackeney/The Pimpernel and his brave band of men set out for France to aid aristocrats, clergy and anyone in need of help – no one is beyond the Pimpernel’s aid. In his escapades he falls for Marguerite St. Just. There is no shortage of mystery, intrigue and comedy in this melodious production with chorus numbers such as “ Madam Guillotine”, “Believe” “Into the Fire” and “When I look at you” solo by Marguerite.

The full cast for The Scarlet Pimpernel is as follows:
Sir Percival Blakeney/ Scarlet Pimpernel/Grappin - Kenneth O’Regan
Marguerite St. Jus - Maria Fitzgerald
Chauveline - Derek Collins
Armand St. Jus - James McDermott
Marie Grosholtz - Rebecca Hadrill
Robspierre - John Crosbie
Marquis De St. Cyr - Maurice McCarthy
Mr. Jessup - Tom O’Donoghue
Prince of Wales - Michael Dunbar
Phillipe Tussaud - Michael Crosbie
Mercier - Mark Ivory
Coupeau - Seamus Murphy

We welcome Director – Aisling Doyle who is no stranger to Wexford having choreographed our shows for several years and now takes on the mantel of Director/Choreographer. Ashling is assisted by a very able production team - Fintan Cleary, Musical Director, Eanna McKenna, Chorus Master, John O’Donoghue, Set Designer all of whom have worked with the Society before and we are delighted to have them on board once again this year. We are also delighted to welcome back Nora Cosgrave as our Stage Manager.

The Production Department is supported by a great Front of House and Back Stage team of people who work in all the various departments from selling programmes and tickets to Wardrobe, Make-up and Hair to our Canteen crew. They are all very important elements that make up the organisation that is Wexford Light Opera Society and without their dedication and support the show simply would not go on.

Grateful thanks must go to The Franciscan Community for the use of the Secular Franciscan Order Hall and to Mr. Pat Quigley, Principal St. Peter’s College for the use of their facilities. We are also indebted to our local Media organisations – namely People Newspapers, The Wexford Echo, The Wexford Free Press and South East Radio for their generous coverage of all our year round events.

Costs of staging a production as big as The Scarlet Pimpernel are enormous and Box Office sales alone don’t make ends meet. The generosity of our nightly Sponsors is much appreciated and their constant support ensures that we can successfully stage our annual show.

Our 2010 Sponsors are – Diageo, Nationwide Fireworks, Sam McCauley Chemists, The Ferrycarrig Hotel and The Environmental Protection Agency. Our Programme and Poster Design Sponsor, Impression Print and our Grand Draw Sponsor, Nicky and Simon Lambert, Simon’s Place.

A very special thank you to James O’Connor, Greenacres for hosting our Press Launch tonight.

The Scarlet Pimpernel takes place in the Wexford Opera House from Monday 19th April to Saturday 24th April nightly at 8 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale from Wexford Opera House Box Office 053-9122144 or on line at www.wexfordoperahouse.ie

Production Team

Director/Choreographer - Aisling Doyle
Musical Director - Fintan Cleary
Chorus Master - Eanna McKenna
Stage Manager - Nora Cosgrave
Set Design - John O’Donohue
Wardrobe Mistress - Ann Reck
Props - Colin Murphy
Lighting Design - Gerry Taylor
Lighting - Paul Redmond
Sound - Star Systems
Set Construction - Larry Roche, Nicky Kehoe
Rehearsal Co-ordinator - Yvonne McGuire

3 Nominations for The Scarlet Pimpernel

23rd May 2010

Congratulations to Fintin Cleary and Nora Cosgrave who were nominated for Aims awards in the categories of Musical Director and Stage Management respectively for their work on 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' .The show was also nominated in the Best Visuals category.

The nomination announcements were made at the Aims Choral Festival which took place over the weekend.

The winners of the awards will be announced at the Aims/HB awards weekend on Saturday 19th June 2010.

The Scarlet Pimpernel - 2010 - Thank You

19th - 24th April

A sincere thank you to our audience and sponsors of our 2010 show "The Scarlet Pimpernel". The cast and production crew hoped you enjoyed attending as much as we enjoyed performing and producing!

Also a big congratulations to Sandra Walsh who won a €1000 Holiday Voucher in our grand draw.

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