The Scarlet Pimpernel starts off at odds with itself. Outside the French Revolutionary war rages on, but inside, Englishman Sir Percival (Percy) Blakenely is getting married. It’s a happy occasion, until word reaches Blakenely that his friend the Marquis de St. Cyr and his family have been killed by the French regime. Masquerade Theatre’s Luther Chakurian, who plays Percy, says, “In the midst of celebrating, Percy receives word that the Marquis has been beheaded and that the betrayer was his new wife Marguerite. His demeanor completely changes toward his wife. He sends her to bed — alone — and he stays up all night thinking. He comes up with a brilliant plan to put together a group of men to help save people, the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. At home, the men are exaggerated fops, so no one will suspect them. That’s where the adventure begins.” And what an adventure it is, with plenty of danger, disguise, intrigue, blackmail and love (remember that wife Percy so gallantly sent off to bed alone?). 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. select Sundays. Through February 24. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby. For information, call 713-315-2525 or visit www.masqueradetheatre.com. $25 to $45.
Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: Feb. 15. Continues through Feb. 24, 2008