Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Based on the MGM movie and based in the French Riviera there is an expectation of sophistication and mischief. Muses gave a good stab and creating the ambiance with a simple two level set, creating a hotel lobby that had small additions to change the location, on the whole this worked but the visit to the dungeon missed the point with dripping sound effects but still a  plush background. Musically there was strength and the cast worked hard to present the jazzy score with a creative style. Lawrence and Freddy were great foils for each other. A highlight was Freddy’s comic timing, he kept the speed and flow throughout with his facial expressions and physicality, and his beached whale caused quite a stir. Andre was the perfect stooge for the two scoundrels and later came into his own when his romance blossomed with Muriel. Muriel was speedy in delivery which at time caused difficulty in following the story line; she found herself once Act 2 began and she partnered up with Andre and looked glamorous throughout. The stage came alive when Jolene arrived on the scene, a pintsize buddle of energy and sass the company number Oklahoma was a total breath of fresh air and the ensemble were obviously basking in the electricity she radiated as the number exploded onto the stage. Christine began as the geeky slightly awkward Colgate Heiress who really never was and her transformation into the wicked woman worked vocally but here the wardrobe let her down as visuals did not contrast enough. The cast were obviously having great fun and worked as a team but sometimes the story can get lost in the enthusiasm, at times its worth standing back and taking stock before opening night and asking will the audience get it, may be something to think about in the future.

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