Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Book by Jeffrey Lane, Music & Lyrics by David Yazbek
Based on the film written by Dale Launer and Stanley Shapiro & Paul
Henning
Directed by Mike Seely
Reviewed by Craig Nolan Highley
Entire contents copyright © 2012 by Craig Nolan Highley. All rights
reserved.
There used to be an old joke that went something like this (and I’m sure
I’m paraphrasing): “I heard that’s a good book, I’ll just wait for the movie!”
It seems that these days, you can rework that to: “Was that a good movie? Well
I’ll just wait until they turn it into a musical!” That really seems to be the
trend these days, from hit classic shows like Applause (from All About Eve),
Sugar (Some Like it Hot), Little
Shop of Horrors and Here’s Love (Miracle on 34th Street), to
more recent fare like The Full Monty,
Hairspray, Reefer Madness, The Producers and Legally Blonde. Like it or not, it’s a trend that is
here to stay, and like any trend, it has its winners and losers.
One of the better examples in recent years is Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The libretto by Jeffrey Lane captures the
hilarious spirit of the original film flawlessly, and composer David Yazbek’s
songs are memorable and addictive. The current production at Clarksville Little
Theater, under Mike Seely’s direction and with fun choreography by Rebecca
Chaney, mostly succeeds at recapturing the fun and is a worthy introduction to
anyone unfamiliar with the material.
The story involves successful swindler Lawrence Jameson (C. Kevin
Swansey), living the high life by bilking money from wealthy females on the
French Riviera. His successful operation is threatened by the arrival of
another grift artist, Freddy Benson (Jeff Ketterman), and complicated when they
both set their sites on newly arrived target Christine Colgate (choreographer
Chaney). To tell any more about the plot would give away too much, as the plot
twists and complications are what keep the tale fun.
Some really strong performances keep the show afloat despite some
problematic moments. Ketterman carries the show as the likable rogue Freddy,
and Chaney turns in one of her best performances ever as Christine,
demonstrating some of the best range she’s ever given. Jayme Thomas and Carrie Cooke shine as
two of Lawrence’s other targets, and Josh O’Brien is absolutely a delight as
crooked Chief of Police Andre Thibault.
On the downside, there were some awkward moments during the opening
night performance I attended, mostly dealing with several moments when actors
obviously went blank during musical numbers. It’s always a bit distracting when
lines of dialogue are dropped, but completely destructive to a musical when
songs come to a screeching halt. Sadly, this happened more than a couple of
times. Hopefully, this will be rectified in the later performances.
Technical aspects of the show are first rate, from Dennis Basham’s
clever set design to the work of an un-credited light and sound designer.
Overall, this was a fun show whose positives far outshone the negatives,
and another delightful production from one of the area’s longest-running
theater companies.
Featuring Larry Chaney, Rebecca Chaney, Carrie Chastain, Carrie Cooke,
Mackenzi Cooley, Victoria Hay, Jeff Ketterman, Candace Kresse, Diana Merritt,
Janet Morris, Josh O’Brien, Mary Stuart Peace, Tom Pettey, Karina Richardson,
C. Kevin Swansey, and Jayme Thoma.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
November 9, 10, 15, 16 & 17 at 8:00 p.m.
November 11 at 2:00 p.m.
November 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Clarksville Little Theatre
301 E. Montgomery Ave.
Clarksville, IN 47129
Clarksville, IN 47129
812-283-6522
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