Not everything is as it appears in the Rockwall Community Playhouse production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” Based on the 1988 movie of the same name starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, this musical is heavy on great music, lots of laughs and a few surprises.
Set in the French Riviera, the story revolves around two con men whose specialty is separating wealthy women from their fortunes. Trouble is, there is only room for one in the coastal town of Beaumont Sur Mer, and the market up till now has been owned by Lawrence Jamieson– suave, handsome, exceedingly vain and wildly successful at his craft. One day a rival, Freddy Benson, arrives and quickly discovers the rich mother lode of pigeons ripe for the picking. Crass and uncouth, Freddys presence quickly becomes a thorn in Lawrences side.
Played with just the right amount of pomposity by local actor Marty Scott, Lawrence and his sidekick, corrupt police chief André Thibault, quickly set about trying to rid their territory of the interloper. Things get complicated as the two con men variously join forces and ultimately compete for the affections and the bankroll of one Christine Colgate, the “American Soap Queen.”
Gene Fields takes the role of Freddy well over the top with an energy thats almost exhausting to watch. Christine is played with wide-eyed innocence by Bridget Lynch, whose vocal range and charm draws the audience in like a moth to a flame. A side story involving André and wealthy divorcee Muriel Eubanks finds André, a stiff and formal public official, discovering that it only takes the right woman to come along and unlock the passion that has been buried inside for years.
We must warn you, this is not a show for the kids. The laughs, while plentiful, can edge into the PG-13 realm, and those with fragile sensibilities are hereby on notice. Nothing overt happens onstage, but innuendo and sly glances can lead the audience to fill in the blanks.
Tight pacing and catchy tunes keep things rolling along under the expert direction of Marilyn Latham. Musical director Rick Gates creates magic with a single keyboard for accompaniment, and clever set design makes the small stage seem much larger than it is.
See it while you can. Some shows are sold out but seats are still available through the October 4 matinee. For scheduling and ticket information go to our event listing for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Article by Sharon Lewis
Photos by Planet Rockwall
