Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a musical comedy based on a 1988 film of the same name which was premiered on Broadway in 2005 and has since been an acclaimed hit in Australia. The scene is based in a glamorous resort, Beaumont Sur Mer, on the French Riviera.  The story revolves around a con artist who has just discovered that a young American con artist has been working his way along the south coast of France – not keen to share his patch he sets out to beat him at his own game.

The scenes were creative and well planned.  The props complemented the scenery and gave an uncluttered appearance.  The lighting was well done and the split stage covered extremely well.  The costumes were outstanding.  Just a wonderful collection of colour and design each most appropriate for each character and where appropriate matching hats, gloves and handbags added to each outfit.

The orchestra created a really good sound but at times overwhelmed the cast especially where it was spoken word over the music. The ensemble singing was very good and created a jolly atmosphere.

The production was very well crafted and the integration of the principals and chorus was evident with each member of the chorus creating their own persona.  Act One moved at a really good pace with hardly a pause.  Lawrence Jameson played by Tony Creasey and Inspector Thibault played by Joe White were great foils for each other.  They both displayed great elements of timing and clear singing voices.  Tony Carpenter played the role of Freddy Benson superbly well with just the right amount of comedy.  The three ladies Muriel, Jolene and Christine contributed to the flow of the show.  Muriel Eubanks was superbly played by Susie Gow and her acting came to the fore with her interaction with Andre.  Jolene Oakes from Oklahoma was a truly wild-west girl and tries to get Lawrence to marry her at gunpoint - Caroline Thompson was well cast in this role.  Christine Colgate, the American Soap Queen, causes a flutter all-round between the two swindlers until they discover she is not an heiress but a competition winner.  This role was very well played and sung by Rachel Perkins.

The director is to be congratulated on bringing together the many complicated scenes into such a smooth production together with the musical director the whole production spun the story with great style and panache.

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