About The Scarlet Pimpernel

In 1905, a young Hungarian born writer named the Baroness Orczy created an audacious and reckless hero, a "daring plotter" who used "tricks and games" against the cruelties of the French Revolution. In the best tradition of A Tale of Two Cities, the story mixed historical fact with dramatic adventure: as the Reign of Terror reaches its bloody climax in 1794, a brave band of Englishmen risk their lives to rescue the intended victims of the guillotine. Their leader is an enigmatic hero known only by his calling card: the red, star-shaped wildflower known as the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Baroness Orczy's hero captured the imagination of the world, and has endured through the 20th century in many forms: in more than 10 sequels by Orczy herself, as a play, in dozens of movies and television adaptations, and now a sweeping and exciting musical by lyricist/book writer Nan Knighton and composer Frank Wildhorn takes the stage by storm!

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a perfect musical for young people: a breathless adventure story (with a charismatic "action hero," long before "Die Hard" or "The Terminator"), set in a time of historical importance, with thematic undercurrents of sacrifice, deception and loyalty. With its rich historical detail, The Scarlet Pimpernel is an ideal introduction to the history and literature of The French Revolution; with its sweeping score, the show can open the door to the traditions of the American musical theatre.

This study guide is broken into several sections, each with background for The Scarlet Pimpernel and its inspirations, ideas for research, discussion and activities to allow educators to incorporate the musical into their curriculum. Interviews with The Scarlet Pimpernel's creators will give students a background into the conception of a grand-scale musical; they also give advice to young people considering a career in the theatre. Each section includes resources for further study, as well as "cyber-resources": web-sites and newsgroup addresses to allow educators and students to continue their research on-line. With background and exploration, this study guide can enrich the theatrical experience for students and educators.

Get ready for an adventure you'll never forget. Welcome to the world of The Scarlet Pimpernel!

Music and Lyrics	Costumes and Sets
The French Revolution
Character Sketches	Closing Thoughts

Study Guide written by Peter Royston.
Original Study Guide designed by Sally Cato.
Adapted for the website by Jen Salzmann.