Don’t try to con a con man, the saying goes. But that kind of double hoodwinking is the very funny essence of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (book by Jeffrey Lane, music and lyrics by David Yazbek). The rollicking musical comedy is playing at the Melbourne Civic Theatre through Sept. 9.
Based on the 1988 film of the same name, the play is set on the French Riviera and follows the duplicitous doings of two con men, Lawrence Jameson (Terrence Girard) and Freddy Benson (Dana Blanchard), as they try to milk young American heiresses of their riches.
Director Peg Girard deftly poses the debonair, urbane Lawrence – a fake prince – against the crude and lascivious, hip-swiveling Freddy, who preys on the sympathies of naïve females with tales of his poor, ailing grandmother.
When Lawrence takes Freddy under his wing to train the sleaze out of his shtick, the odd-couple pairing inevitably leads to a “may-the-best-con-man-win” contest replete with sight gags, sexual innuendo and outright raunchy repartee. The chemistry in contrasts between Girard and Blanchard, two seasoned actors, makes for lively, witty dialogue and action.
Just as much of the show’s magic comes from its music and dance, courtesy of musical director Kim Dickman and choreographer Heather Mowad, as well as the immensely talented cast of actors. From provocative, tango-style footwork to down-home Oklahoma barn stomps to rap parody, the lead characters and ensemble members transform themselves and the stage with 22 musical numbers.
Christine Colgate (Holly McFarland Karnes), one of the purported heiresses the con men try to fleece, particularly stands out for her versatile vocal chops.
An astonishing variety of costumes greatly enhances the show’s visual appeal. Croupiers, bellboys, sailors, hotel maids, begowned and bow-tied resort guests, tacky American tourists, nuns, cowgirls and cowboys, you name it, the company changes style in fast-paced scenes that keep the audience smiling.
As does the hilarious sub-plot featuring shady French police chief Andre Thibault (Rob Kenna), who perfectly delivers Gallic shrugs, smirks, offside remarks and seductions while helping Lawrence pluck his wealthy pigeons. Andre is complemented by the voluptuous and ardent Muriel Eubanks (Tracey Thompson) in an unlikely romance that ends farcically well.
Oil heiress Jolene Oakes, an Oklahoma gal who hopes to rope Lawrence into matrimony, is adroitly played by Mary Carson Meyer, whose Okie accent and attitude are spot-on.
The show’s scene and lighting crews create the necessary illusion of the Riviera setting. Simple elements – a Mediterranean backdrop framed by palm trees, a balcony with white balustrade overlooking the sea, trailing ivy and flowers in urns and pots – combine and make possible the multiple, rapid set changes that keep the musical moving.
Spotlights focus on the conceited Lawrence as he preens and practices to deceive. An occasional moon appears over the waters, just hokey enough to fit with the all-round fakery of the storyline.
For all its ribald tone and rascally plot, however, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is not without its heartfelt moments. Even grifters have their tender sides, it seems.
This superb production has been enormously popular so far, and is not to be missed, a welcome interlude of laughter and escape in the dog days of summer. Grab tickets, which range from $29 to $31, before they’re gone.
Article by: Annette Clifford, correspondent
