by Lorie Lewis Ham
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is currently on stage at Roger Rocka’s in Fresno and it’s a night of rollicking fun.
If you have ever seen the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels movie staring Steve Martin and Michael Caine you know the general story of the musical. Two con men, Lawrence Jamison (Gordon Moore), who has been conning rich women with style and charm for years, and Freddie (Peter Allwine), a young con man who takes advantage of women with his made up sob stories, both end up in the same French Mediterranean town, After they meet, they decide the town isn’t big enough for both of them so they make a bet that the first one to scam $50,000 out of the “Soap Queen” Christine Colgate (Danielle Jorn), gets to stay in the city and the other leaves. Throw in music and you have the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Musical.
Peter Allwine (Freddie) & Gordon Moore (Lawrence)
“I had seen Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Broadway with most of the original cast and laughed all the way,” said Scoundrels director Elizabeth Fiester. “It was a very enjoyable afternoon in the theatre, so when it became one of the titles for the Music Hall season I put my name in right away to direct it.”
Peter as Freddie
All of the classic scenes of hilarity from the movie are in the musical as well. I have never seen KRL favorite Peter Allwine in such an insanely crazy over the top role—he was so funny. George Rudd as Lawrence was funny and charming and Danielle Jorn as the soap queen was funny and wonderful as always. Jacob Carrillo as Jamison’s assistant Andre/the chief of police had some very funny moments as well and his storyline was actually one of my favorites. The cast of this show was wonderful, and if you’re looking for a night full of laughs this is the show for you. It had been so long since I’d seen the movie that I had totally forgotten about the twist at the end!
Jacquie Broach (Muriel Eubanks) & Jacob Carrillo (Inspector Andre)
“I think what makes any of our productions unique or different is the intimacy our small theatre provides, so while our stage is small and a challenge to stage big production numbers on, for the audience it’s a unique experience, as opposed to going to see the tour or seeing the show in a big city and big theatre,” stated Elizabeth. “I think it’s one of the keys to the success of Good Company Players. I also believe the talent of our performers and their interpretation brings something new and unique to the show.”
Gordon, Danielle (Christine Colgate) & Peter
I have to say the music in the show isn’t really something you walk out singing, but the hilarity of the show and the ability of the actors makes up for it. So if you’re looking for a night of sidesplitting laughter, check out Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. For more ticket information check out their KRL event page. The show runs through May 20.
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