Oakland University Theatre Program Brings THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL to the Stage

At 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, the theatre program at Oakland University will open its performance season with the musical The Scarlet Pimpernel, a powerful and passionate story of love and heroism, with music by Frank Wildhorn, book and lyrics by Nan Knighton, all based on the novel by Baroness Orczy.

The Scarlet Pimpernel is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Hero Sir Percy Blakeney and his league of English aristocrats have created a secret society, which is engaged in rescuing their French counterparts from the guillotine. Meanwhile, Citizen Chauvelin, the French government's most formidable agent, is out to stop all who try to save the victims of the guillotine, especially the mysterious hero, the Scarlet Pimpernel. The show is filled with daring rescues and exhilarating sword fights.

There will be 11 performances between October 6 and October 16 in Varner Studio Theatre. Tickets are $20 general, $12 for students at all shows and for everyone at the Friday, October 7, 10 a.m. matinee.

Varner Studio Theatre is located on the Oakland University campus at 371 Varner Drive. Maps of the campus are available at oakland.edu/map. Ample free parking will be available in lots 26 and 24.

Tickets may be purchased online without service fees at startickets.com http://www.startickets.com/search?q=scarlet+pimpernel&Itemid=124 or by phone at (800) 585-3737. They can also be purchased at the Varner Box Office on OU's campus. Tickets ordered online or by phone can be picked up at the box office one hour before the performance begins.

Directions and complete ticket information are available at http://www.oakland.edu/mtd/tickets.

For more information about Oakland University Music, Theatre and Dance programs and performances, call (248) 370-2030 or visit oakland.edu/mtd.

Full schedule:

Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Friday, October 7, 2016 at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Friday, October 14, 2016 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 2 p.m.