James Dybas, a stage veteran who plays the Executioner and several other roles in The Scarlet Pimpernel, agreed to keep a diary of the experience for Playbill On-Line's readers. Here is his diary of the weeks leading up to the opening. This is his final post of the day. Playbill On-Line thanks Dybas for taking the time out of his special day to share the experience with us all.

Sunday November 9, 1997 - 10:30 PM At the Cast Party I think that this evening has been a wonderful culmination of all the weeks of work and previews. The audience was with us every step of the way, cheering us on, making us feel we are where we all belong -- on the stage of the Minskoff theatre, telling this wonderful tale.

During the Act II song "You Are My Home," some thoughts occured to me. In the scene, I'm in the prison cell with my wife waiting to be executed.

I was thinking what the number means to me. How no matter what life hands you, friends and a Higher Power are always a constant. and that when you're with them you're always "home." And that's how I felt this evening. I was thinking, 'I am indeed home.' I am truly blessed and grateful for this opportunity to use my talents, for good friends, a spiritual connection, a family that loves me, health and -- I hope -- a nice long job!