Here in my little world we go to the theatre. We drink. We smoke. We eat. We take cabs and subways. We go to museums. The list is endless. In my world I review everything that happens to me on the day that I go to the theatre. Nothing is sacrosanct and everything is subject to my contempt or acclamation. Give me the hook or the ovation but remember it's my world and you're just living in it! Welcome to my world...

First of all, let me tell you that I've been rather suspect of The Scarlet Pimpernel since I first saw their billboard. The art that the producers have chosen to represent the show looks so very after school special. Well, if that's not enough, imagine my consternation when I saw the show advertised on the back of a milk carton! Scary, but true! But wait, there's more! As Stephanie and I were getting ready to see the show on Sunday, we read in "The Times" that Baroness Orczy, upon whose novel the musical is based, was considered the Danielle Steele of her day! Oh, horrors!

With trepidation, we snagged a cab in the driving rain for the trip to the Minskoff Theatre. Snarling all the way up the escalator past the carpeted walls, we just knew that this would be un grand catastrophe! As we took our seats and looked up at the trompe l'oeil curtain, we felt our worst fears would soon be realized. Even through the first few numbers, I was thinking, "This is going to be worse than I could have imagined." Well, guess what? I was wrong; dead wrong!

The Scarlet Pimpernel, is a fanciful, swashbuckling tale interwoven with mendacity and heroic suspense set during The French Revolution. The Pimpernel, played brilliantly by Broadway newcomer Douglas Sills, sets sail for Paris in order to assist the French. Unbeknownst to his French wife, portrayed by Christine Andreas, he saves the lives of many from the guillotine with a cavalcade of deceptively foppish Englishmen. Terrence Mann portrays the antagonist, Monsieur Chauvelin, who will stop at nothing to arrest the British invader. Deception and adventure ensue.

The saccharine sweet confections by costume designer, Jane Greenwood, will leave you with rotting teeth and possibly in a diabetic coma. Though Stephanie pointed out that that was the intention of the costumes. I couldn't help thinking Ms. Greenwood could have been done better. Combine that with Andrew Jackness' scenic design and the production looks like a Harlequin Romance novel wrapped in cotton candy. Normally, I'd find that appalling, but in this very rare case it works. And it works well.

It wasn't until the "Into The Fire" number that I was seduced. Directed seamlessly by Peter Hunt, (and brilliantly lit by Natasha Katz), it sends the Pimpernel and his band of merry men from their smoking room in London, to crossing the Channel in a ship onward to the streets of Paris. Frank Wildhorn's rousing score and Nan Knighton's inspiring lyrics assist in making this the crown jewel of the production.

Christine Andreas plays the enchanting Marguerite. Her silvery voice with and subtle vibrato is delicious, especially in the aria, "When I Look at You." Terrence Mann gives a stalwart performance as the re-incarnated Javert. Oh, I mean Chauvelin. I'm not the only one who'll note the comparison. But frankly, I didn't mind. Mr. Mann is stunning, and perfectly cast. The biggest surprise of the evening is Douglas Sills in the title role. His portrayal of a witty, narcissistic Englishman turn dashing hero is expertly played. He is both hilariously effeminate, and nobly virile. His comedic timing reaches it's height during the beginning of Act Two with "They Seek Him Here." Let's back up a little, shall we? We were somewhat dreading this song as we'd already read the lyrics:

"We seek him here, we seek him there, Those Frenchies seek him everywhere."

Stephanie was quick to point out how the rhyme scheme was strikingly similar to:

"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!"

You be the judge. However, we were stunned to find the scene not only appealing, but consummate. And, if the truth be told, it was winningly charming!

The bottom line is that the show is completely beguiling. It is a classic musical comedy that pleasantly amuses. It is also an enthralling drama that will have you on the egde of your seats for the final twenty minutes! In short, the production is a delicious dichotomy of hilarity and suspense whose sole intent is to entertain. Bravo!

Afterwards, we strolled out humming the score in search of a cab. Wouldn't you know it, the President was in town, which always means gridlock and a dearth of cabs. We walked all the way over to Second Avenue where we finally hailed a taxi by Grand Central and headed down to SoHo. We went to "Penang" on Spring and Mercer which has some of the best Malaysian cuisine in the city. I started off with a spicy shrimp, calamari and scallop soup with basil, (which had my sinuses opening up like a faucet). For my entree I had some delicious shrimp cakes glazed with a brown sauce. Yum! Although the place looks a little like the "Tiki Tiki" room at Disneyland, it's rather comfortable and chic.

For apres-dinner cocktails we walked over to "Casa La Femme" on Wooster. I love this Egyptian eatery, with it's Persian rugs and Middle Eastern decor. Several groups of people were sitting Indian-style on pillows, smoking hookahs while listening to Arabic chants. We chose to cozy up to the bar where I ordered a Stoli Vanilla and pineapple juice, a Margarita for Stephanie. I had a hankering for a sweet treat, so I ordered the chocolate phylo dessert. It turned out to look like a flattened brownie with a Frosted Mini-Wheat smashed on top, not my cup of tea. Every Sunday night they show movies in the dining room. When we inquired as to what the feature would be, our delightful grey-toothed bartender announced it would be "that classic film, Reebul Without a Cows!" Can you stand it? Reebul without a cows, now that's a scream! I never knew James Dean was in that one.

Out into the chill of the November night we grabbed a cab and went up to "The Four Seasons" hotel for a night cap. Lord, how I love those French Martinis there. We're not the only ones.

Guess who else was there? Vinnie Barbarino himself, Mr. John Travolta! How very exciting! We also met a charming gentleman from Tennessee who came over and joined our table. We discussed the N.E.A., which he opposed. It was a rather congenial, though at times, heated discussion. The bottom line was Stephanie's retort that it costs the average American thirty-eight cents a year. You'd think that would shut him up, but no. All I know is that he made his little cultural contribution by picking up our check. As far as I'm concerned, he could have condemned everything I've ever believed in, as long he paid the damn check!

In closing, if you get a hankering for some Malaysian food, then check out "Penang" in SoHo on Spring between Mercer and Greene. If you love a beautiful and exotic setting then tip on over to "Casa La Femme" on Wooster, just below Houston. If you're lucky maybe they'll be showing "Reebul Without a Cows!" Whether you're a jaded New Yorker like myself, or an Amish grandmother, you should see The Scarlet Pimpernel! When you're disagreeing with strangers while enjoying your drinks, you should always state your case and hold your ground while batting your lashes. Remember, the best cocktail is a free cocktail!

See you next Thursday,

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