Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

                  

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Director Katy Hammond and had the opportunity to discuss the production with both her and Musical Director David Richardson during the interval and again after the performance.

The musical takes place in a small town in the French Riviera with a fairly basic but adaptable set and additional steps to the stage from the auditorium. There were attractive posters hung at the sides of the stage denoting the Casino, the Cafe and the resort of Beaumont Sur Mer and skilful use was made of projections to the video screen at the back of the stage. There were two authentic looking urns with pampas grass and a delightful hinged and moveable balustrade. Other props eg gambling table, desk and chaise longue were moved on and off stage as needed and costumes were attractive and time relevant. Sound levels were good and clever use of lighting, especially spots to front of stage helped to indicate a change of scene.  Backing tracks were used and the cast had responded well to these under the skilful and accomplished direction of David Richardson, Musical Director.

Without exception this production was very well cast and everyone projected well to the audience. The two con men, Connor Foster as Lawrence Jameson and Lewis Miller as Freddy Benson were so well paired and really set the tone and speed of the performance. Connor played his part well in a suave and confident manner and he maintained  his accent throughout. He displayed good vocal ability and  I enjoyed his singing of Love Sneaks In. Lewis was in sparkling form with a magnificent characterisation of Freddy as a likeable rogue with some wonderful facial expressions and movements. He had boundless energy and he created so many humorous and comical situations and almost, not quite, stole the show! Well performed both Connor and Lewis!

The  attractive American Muriel was expertly played by Lydia Prime who readily flaunted her wealth and had a delightful voice when singing What Was A Woman To Do. Ashley Este as Lawrence’s bodyguard Andre Thibault  assisted Lawrence and Freddy in their dubious schemes and became another wheeler-dealer. A good and reassuring foil to Lawrence he also became the love interest for Muriel and they sang a great duet LikeZis/Like Zat. Heather Rudolph was a convincing Christine Colgate completely out manoeuvring the two conmen eventually. She cunningly switched her love interest from Lawrence to Freddy and appeared most attentive to Freddy. I enjoyed their duet Nothing Is Too Wonderful To Be True . Deborah Este, as Jolene burst onto the stage with a very lively song, Oklahoma. Dressed  as a gun touting cowgirl she played this role well and the gunshots sounded most authentic!

There was plenty for the small ensemble to do including a well choreographed salsa dance and appearances in the casino scene. Choreography by Katy Hammond was lively and not complicated and fitted into the scenario well.

This was a compelling production of this fun musical with plenty of humour and some stellar performances. My congratulations to Director Katy Hammond, aided by Assistant Director Ashley Este and Musical Director David Richardson for their vision and creativity in bringing this musical to a small stage. Well done everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

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