LIMERICK’s CentreStage Youth Theatre (CYT) takes to the stage at Belltable Arts Centre mid-April with another magical musical, ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’. Expect two performances only, says director Richie Ryan and book ahead for Friday April 13, Saturday 14, 8pm shows for good reason. Recent sell out productions from this youth company have included ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, ‘Miss Saigon’ and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. Musical director for April’s show is Michael Lennon.
A love story, that between aristocrats Marguerite and Armand, unravels against the background of the French Revolution at its most bloody.
“’The Scarlet Pimpernel’ is a perfect musical for young people,” Richie feels. “It is a breathless adventure story with a charismatic action hero long before ‘Die Hard’ or ‘Terminator’. ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ is 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.”
The cast includes Callan Coughlan (19yrs) as “that damned elusive Pimpernel”, Martha O’Brien (19yrs), Colin Doherty (19yrs), Aaron Barriscale (19yrs) and Jared Nadin, Kate Stapleton, Josh Davies, Jack Kearney, Aoife Doolin, Maurise Cusack, Hugh Fitzgibbon, Christian Tan, Eve Gloster, Ailbhe Kiely, Emma Linane, Tara O’Carroll and Alison McCarthy.
