Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Extends To December

Due to popular demand and wide-spread critical acclaim, producer George Youakim from James Anthony Productions today announced that the season of the devilishly cheeky, fun-filled Broadway musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has been extended to December 8 at Sydney’s Theatre Royal. New performances go on sale on Friday. Sydney audiences are rolling in the aisles to what the Sydney Morning Herald has labelled “the best new musical to hit Sydney this century.”

Time Out says “Five stars… as good as it gets in Sydney this year, and holds its own... Prepare to be charmed.” The Australian describes Dirty Rotten Scoundrels as “loads of undemanding fun,” while the Sydney Morning Herald says it contains “the wittiest lyrics to grace a musical since the likes of Cole Porter, Alan Jay Lerner or Stephen Sondheim were in their pomp.”

The Sunday Telegraph called the musical “a delight from start to finish - simply a joyous night of perfectly cast, laugh- out- loud musical comedy,” and Aussietheatre says, “This production gets everything right… a reason to leave the house and go to the theatre… Go and see it. It will make you happy.”

Leading the exemplary cast are Tony Sheldon as Lawrence Jameson and Matt Hetherington as Freddy Benson, the two rival conmen on the French Riviera. Christine Colgate, the naive American heiress targeted by Lawrence and Freddy, is played by Amy Lehpamer, while John Wood plays Lawrence’s associate Andre Thibault. Two of the women conned by the pair, Muriel Eubanks and Jolene Oakes, are played by musical theatre favourites Anne Wood and Katrina Retallick.

Directed by Roger Hodgman, musically directed by Guy Simpson and choreographed by Dana Jolly, with sets by Michael Hankin, costumes by Teresa Negroponte and lighting by Nicholas Rayment, this laugh-a-minute romp is fast becoming the surprise hit musical of the year!

Based on the highly successful and much loved 1988 film starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Jeffrey Lane, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was nominated for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and 10 Drama Desk Awards. www.dirtyrottenscoundrels.com.au

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - Review

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Theatre Royal, Sydney
Reviewed by Ben Oxley

Credit: dirtyrottenscoundrels.com.au

Tony Sheldon (Lawrence Jamieson), Matt Hetherington (Freddy) and Amy Lehpalmer (Christina Colgate) combine expertly to bring a fast moving musical comedy to the stage. By the response from the opening night audience, it was clear the show is a big hit, thanks to the work of Roger Hodgman. You may have come to the theatre expecting something else, but you go out with a buzz, whirling around the dance floor.

'Great Big Stuff' sets Freddy's aspirational stall out; what he doesn't know is how he will figure in this elegant swindle. 'Love Sneaks In' is the perfect foil for this, expertly contrasting the two cads. In fact, David Yazbeck’s clever score takes you on a journey through cabaret and Broadway styles. You feel like you know these songs.

'Oklahoma?' is more than a passing nod to the more familiar musical. Katrina Retallick as Jolene is a firm favourite, giving home-style glitz to her role. She brings a cast iron brass to the elegant world of Beaumont sur Mer. Her only challenge is how to deal with 'Ruprecht', Freddy's take on Lawrence's special needs sibling.

Anne Wood, as the medicated Muriel, has the experience and timing for "What Was a Woman to Do". Her balcony scenes, with Andre (John Wood) are beautifully crafted and deftly delivered from both of them.

But the songs sell the show, with "The Miracle" in Act I Finale, "The More We Dance" and the final "Dirty Rotten Number" giving the cast and fabulous ensemble much to create lasting impressions.

Choreography by Dana Jolly had the feel of elegant revue, with lovely use of the stage, balustrade and staircase. Michael Hankin created a summery set, allowing the action to rattle on, costume and scene changes taken onstage when needed.

Nicholas Rayment’s lighting is everything, if you agree with Tony Sheldon. It is also key to the final outcome of the scam. Big rap for music director Guy Simpson and his orchestra in keeping the story alive through the twists of this tale. While you might not be able to hum the tunes on first hearing, this is a welcome return to stylish musical comedy of yesteryear, with plenty of today's jokes. Go!

For more information go to www.DirtyRottenScoundrelstheMusical.com