Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – REVIEW

Tony Sheldon, Katrina Retallick & Matt Hetherington - Photo by Kurt Sneddon

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a Musical of mirth and mayhem. Classy and crass in equal proportions, this production will leave you grinning for days with its witty lyrics and hysterical scripting. Based on the highly successful 1988 film of the same name, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the Musical, is set to become as loved as its inspiration.
Quirky, upbeat musical arrangement by David Yazbeck punctuates the storyline which follows the outrageous antics of two polar-opposite con men, ‘Lawrence Jameson’ and ‘Freddy Benson’.
The diabolic duo are yin and yang fraudsters preying on the ever transient, abundantly wealthy, and totally gullible female tourist population of a small French Riviera town. Tony Sheldon is brilliant as the pompous Lawrence Jameson who agrees to ‘educate’ the blundering Freddy on the finer points of fleecing fancy femmes. Lawrence says, “What you lack in grace you more than make up for in vulgarity”.
The main focus of their attention is Christine Colgate played superbly by Amy Lehpamer (Rock of Ages, Margaret Fulton: Queen of the Dessert) whose brilliant acting is only surpassed by her stunning vocals. Veteran actor John Wood plays Andre Thibault, the dirty cop sidekick and advisor to Lawrence while Anne Wood plays Muriel Eubanks who eventually falls in lust with Andre and saucy shenanigans ensue. Katrina Retallick pulls off the gargantuan personality of Texan oil heiress Jolene Oakes with exceptional sass and skill and the ensemble are all superb, well-cast triple threats.
Choreography by Dana Jolly successfully transports the audience from elegant 1960’s dance hall scenes to the wild hoedown of ‘Oklahoma?’ and back again. (See separate article ‘Interview with Dana Jolly’).
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was nominated for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and 10 Drama Desk Awards. It was originally directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde & many more).
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is currently playing at Theatre Royal, King Street, Sydney with tickets from $79.00. All bookings www.ticketmaster.com.au or 1300 723038. Group bookings call 02 82402290 or email groups@ticketmaster.com.au. Premium Tickets & Packages available at www.showbiz.com.au.
Enjoy!