Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Theater By The Sea concludes its 76th season with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a ridiculous yet amusing and highly entertaining musical comedy about two con men and their adventures with countless, unsuspecting women of generosity on the French Riviera.
Based on the 1988 movie featuring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, which became a Broadway musical in 2005, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels introduces two shady characters, Lawrence Jameson (Al Bundonis) and Freddy Benson (Jason Gillman), who prey upon women and their wallets because, as the opening number says, they just "Give Them What They Want."
On the surface, Lawrence is a distinguished gentleman, posing as royalty, for whom ladies gladly hand over their jewels, under the impression it is for the greater good of his people. The younger, less refined Freddy talks a very good game, easily coaxing free meals and the occasional twenty-dollar-bill from the opposite sex.
The two con artists cross paths in a seaside resort on the Riviera where Lawrence has the local law enforcement, under the direction of Inspector Andre Thibault (Christopher Swan), in his pocket. Although bothered by the new man on his turf, Lawrence seeks Freddy’s help after a botched attempt to bilk an heiress from Oklahoma, Jolene Oaks (Rachel Rice).
Although they work well together, their egos get in the way and the men wage a winner-take-all bet. A young lady, Christine Colgate (Lisa Yuen), known as the "American Soap Queen," has just arrived, so Lawrence and Freddy each makes it his mission to be the first who can scheme $50,000 from her supposed fortune.
The ensuing sequence of events is purposely silly yet shamelessly funny. Freddy impersonates a soldier confined to a wheelchair whose paralysis is psychosomatic and Lawrence pretends to be an esteemed psychologist who can will him to walk again. The madcap adventure of these two swindlers as they try to take advantage of the innocent Christine is truly hilarious.
With the exception of one or two songs from the heart, each musical number boasts deliberately lousy lyrics (song titles include "Great Big Stuff" and "Love Is My Legs"), which adds to the already comedic effect. Furthermore, on several occasions the performers will step out of character to address the audience or orchestra, and even call attention to their part of the production while still in character.
By the second act, these stage gimmicks become tedious, as well as a reminder that nothing about the show, which is really just harmless fun, is to be taken seriously.
The costumes, choreography, and set design, in particular, are all right out of Broadway, as Theater By The Sea continues to dazzle and amaze with its remarkable ability to transform its seemingly tiny stage--this time into a sprawling replica of a lavish hotel lobby, complete with a view of the south of France.
Along with the entire production, the two leads also deliver Broadway-caliber performances. As the self-absorbed Lawrence, Bundonis is the definition of suave, complete with his transatlantic accent, unfailing posture and perfectly pressed attire.
Gillman, who has played the role of Freddy on Broadway as an understudy, has the perfect face and demeanor that you just can’t help but like, despite his unorthodox behavior. Rounding out the trio, Yuen (who currently plays Rachael on "All My Children") gives a fine performance as Christine.
In addition, there are three especially noteworthy performances among the supporting cast. Swan is delightfully hammy as Andre, and his scenes with Stacey Geer as Muriel Eubanks, the Nebraskan socialite, are especially laughable. Furthermore, Rice is an absolute hoot as the brazen southern belle, Jolene Oaks.
Lawrence and Freddy would undoubtedly agree that it would be almost criminal to miss Theater By The Sea’s delightful season-ender, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels runs through September 6 at Theater By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck. For schedule, tickets prices and more information, visit www.theatrebythesea.com.
