OGDEN — I walked into The Scarlet Pimpernel: In Concert, directed by Jan Williams Smith, expecting a lovely evening of music—perhaps a polished vocal showcase with limited storytelling. What I experienced instead was a fully realized, emotionally rich theatrical event that proved a concert format can still deliver sweeping drama, humor, romance, and heartbreak when placed in the right hands. The music itself is phenomenal. Composed by Frank Wildhorn, with book and lyrics by Nan Knighton, and based on the novel by Baroness Orczy, The Scarlet Pimpernel delivers one thrilling song after another. Fans of Jekyll & Hyde will immediately recognize Wildhorn’s signature style—lush melodies, soaring power ballads, and music that demands elite vocalists.
Presented by Ogden Musical Theatre at the historic Peery’s Egyptian Theatre, this production leaned into the strengths of the concert style while never sacrificing story. From the powerful opening ensemble number “Madame Guillotine”, it was immediately clear the audience was in for something special. The harmonies were thrilling, the energy electric, and projections throughout the auditorium—displaying locations and historical context—immersed us instantly in revolutionary France.
This format was perfectly suited to showcase the mesmerizing talent of the four leads, and all four were absolutely sensational.
Ben Ames as Percy Blakeney delivered a performance that was vocally stunning and dramatically agile. From the moment Ames sang “You Are My Home”, it was clear he possesses a voice of rare beauty—warm, effortless, and emotionally grounded. His rendition of “Prayer” was breathtaking, culminating in a crystal-clear final note held so long it left the audience stunned. Beyond his vocals, Ames’ acting was phenomenal. He shifted seamlessly from deep heartbreak to sharp, playful humor—especially during Percy’s hilarious monologue about the Scarlet Pimpernel’s antics—demonstrating impeccable timing and expressive physicality.
As Marguerite, Jessica Knowles Andrus was nothing short of extraordinary. Dressed in a striking black ensemble accented with scarlet, Andrus commanded the stage with grace, intensity, and unmistakable star power. Her power ballads—particularly “When I Look at You”—were showstoppers, yet she could also sing delicately and intimately in “I’ll Forget You” while maintaining pristine clarity. Andrus has a voice made for Broadway, and her ability to generate palpable chemistry with every male lead—Percy as her lover, Armand as her brother, and Chauvelin as her antagonist—was remarkable. Andrus is a gift to the Utah theatre scene, and every cast she joins is elevated by her presence.
Ricky Parkinson brought commanding menace and vocal strength to Chauvelin, while Ai Ke Woods offered a lovely tenor as Armand. The duet “You Are My Home”, sung by Marguerite and Armand as a testament to sibling loyalty and love, was deeply moving, with Woods’ voice blending beautifully with Andrus’.
One of my favorite things about Ogden Musical Theatre is the guarantee of a live orchestra—and this production was no exception. Under the direction of Michael Palumbo and music director Jake Heywood, the orchestra was absolute perfection. Precision was impeccable, balance flawless, and never once did the music overpower the singers. Instead, the orchestra elevated every emotional moment, shaping the atmosphere and enhancing the storytelling throughout.
A standout highlight was “The Creation of Man”. While I admit I missed the over-the-top costumes traditionally associated with this number, Percy’s band of merry men more than delivered through exaggerated body acting, fearless physicality, and impeccable comedic timing. Their sashaying movements and full commitment made the number a genuine showstopper and a perfect example of how this production relied on storytelling through the body.
Lighting design by Taylor Sachs played a vital storytelling role. Red washes across faces heightened moments of danger and intensity, while subtle shifts clearly signaled changes in mood and scene. In a production with minimal props and no elaborate sets, lighting became an essential narrative tool.
Directed with clarity and vision by Jan Williams Smith, this was not an abbreviated concert. Every beat of the story—the romance, betrayal, humor, and heartbreak—landed powerfully. This was not just a concert. It was a fully realized theatrical experience, led by four extraordinary performers at the height of their craft.
Remaining performances of The Scarlet Pimpernel: In Concert run Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (February 24–28) at 7:30 PM and a Saturday matinee (February 28th) at 2:00 PM. Tickets range from $25–$33 and can be purchased here: https://ogdenmusicaltheatre.org/show/15.