Monday, February 8, 1999
From the Scarlet Pimpernel Message Board
Dear Jerked-Around Family and Friends,
This is a difficult missive to compose. To be brief and to the
point at first, I�ve decided to extend my commitment to
"The Scarlet Pimpernel" on Broadway beyond the boundaries of my
known universe - that is to say, beyond March 7, 1999.
I can only tell you that this is nearly as big a surprise to me as it is to you.
Believe me when I tell you that although it was a difficult and
indeed a painful labor, the birth of my original decision to
leave in March was a happy event. Once I tasted the fresh air of
release, I was more certain than ever that that was the
right thing for me and everyone involved could move on to the next
stage of their creative lives.
However, now, a scant five weeks later, but miles further along in
planning my post-Pimpernel life, in fact, just days
ago, I was approached by the highest ranking levels of that
theatrical monolith Madison Square Garden. Let me simply
say that I was "prevailed upon" to remain until the more natural
closing date at the end of May or mid-June, whenever
"Pimpernel" leaves its first home at the Minskoff for its second
home at the "Yet To Be Determined" Theatre.
If I was to tell you that Mr. Checketts was persuasive, it would
also then be appropriate to say that the parting of the
Red Sea was a simple act of sleight of hand. This was not an easy
decision to reach. I realize that by reversing my
decision to leave, I am inevitably diminishing my credibility with
you in terms of future decision making processes. I
accept that sacrifice - but not lightly. I do feel that the
momentum that we�ve been able to create for the show (i.e., a
three million dollar advance sales figure and growing, in the
middle of winter, virtually unheard of in theatrical
circles)should be tended with care and great consideration toward
it�s continuance. I do not wish my departure to, in
any way, jeopardize that success. Also, I think that with a short
family vacation, I will return rested and energized to
work. Indeed now that the end date and plans for the future of
Pimpernel are much clearer, it�s much easier to commit
myself to what is actually a short block of weeks.
I know that many of you have made plans to help me celebrate the
end of a glorious year and half on Broadway and
for that I am truly grateful. I have been blessed to have this
unwavering support from you - my family and friends. I
hope that you will still come happily, or change your plans
without too much inconvenience. I also trust that the
seemingly unbounded generosity that you�ve all shown me, extends
itself so far as to accept my apologies for any such
inconvenience or for any perceived slight, for that matter. And if
I understand both the incredible outpouring of grace
that you have shown me, as well as your disappointment at my
departure, then this epistle will be received with glad
tidings. I hope so. Although this decision was, incredible as it
is to suggest, even more difficult to make than the first,
know that I�m happy, even joyous, about it. We�ll have a great
time and finish off this run at the Minskoff with the flair
and joi de vivre that�s characterized the entire history of this show.
For those of you who will make the decision to be there on March
7th, why don�t we just make it a celebration instead
of a goodbye? Please pass this on to anyone that you suppose might
care or need to know in order to adjust their plans. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Douglas
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