An odd couple and a lucrative bet….but if you think you know how this slippery musical comedy tango will end, there is much more here than meets the eye.
Directed skillfully by Allison Olivia Choat with absorbing music direction by Catherine Stornetta and upbeat yet spicy choreography by Brad Reinking, Moonbox Productions continues musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels live and in person at Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts through October 20. This show has adult themes and runs approximately two hours and 15 min with one ten minute intermission. It also boasts open captions that come in handy during the performance. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Photography by Molly Shoemaker
A remake of 1964’s Bedtime Story, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels hit the big screen in 1988 starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin before it became a popular Broadway musical comedy in 2004 garnering a number of Tony nominations including Norbert Leo Butz’s Tony Award-winning performance as Freddy. In 2019, Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson starred in the film remake renamed The Hustle.
From Hawaiian shirts to stately formal wear in cheerful colors, some aspects of E. Rosser’s costume design is inspired by the 1988 film, but thankfully contemporarily updated from the film’s bulky 80s style clothing.
Taking place over one summer on the French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels focuses on a group of conmen doing what they do best. It has an odd coupling vibe with Matthew Zahnzinger as sophisticated master conman Lawrence with his co-conspirator André who encounters Phil Tayler as skilled yet uncouth novice Freddy. Freddy is a small time conman who immediately admires Lawrence’s success and longs to learn the ropes. When they both set their eyes on Shonna McEachern as mysterious Christine, the stakes are high and the con is on.
With simple staging on two floors by Peyton Taveres with portable props by Andrew Reynolds as well as an onstage band behind glass, Andrea Sala’s upscale multicolor lighting takes center stage and has a delightful mind of its own demonstrated by Zahnzinger’s Lawrence who drolly exclaims, ‘Breeding is important, but lighting is everything!’
Adorned in a three piece suit with a red carnation and suave ascot, Zahnzinger perfects a thick British accent and is the picture of refinement as Lawrence. Charismatic, suave and boasting a crafty smirk, Zahnzinger shines as Lawrence and is more than game as this smooth world traveling con artist. Julius P. Williams III portrays Lawrence’s behind the scenes right hand man André. Williams III is quite the schmoozer who is big on decorum and short on patience. Lawrence and André’s conspiratorial tête-à-têtes and knowing glances make them an amusing comedy duo. When Phil Tayler as younger, outspoken, unhinged and underhanded Freddy Benson enters the scene, the real excitement begins.
Photography by Molly Shoemaker
It is easy to see how seamlessly Dirty Rotten Scoundrels fits as a musical comedy and after watching the 1988 comedy film, the musical is tremendously more fun. With sultry and exuberant choreography by Brad Reinking, this charming ensemble has as big of a personality as the distinct main cast. From the two step to yodeling to even birdcage choreography which has to be seen to be believed, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels infuses these dance sequences in all the right places.
Most of the women seem gullible and naïve with few exceptions including Tader Shipley as Jolene Oakes as a fabulous, cart wheeling southern belle in glittering gold cowboy boots. Shipley’s over the top delivery as she headlines Oklahoma is an unforgettable treat. Boasting soaring vocals, Shonna McEachern depicts the altruistic Christine and performs a lovely ballad with Tayler for Nothing is Too Wonderful to Be True.
Through David Yazbek’s lyrically clever music, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ catchy soundtrack often plays on words, especially demonstrated through Ruffhousen with Schüffhausen featuring a memorably comedic twist between Lawrence, Freddy, and Christine. Like Zis, Like Zat is a coy duet featuring André and Christine English as wide eyed Muriel and the tongue twisting and captivating cha cha-inspired The More We Dance between Lawrence and Christine. Phil Tayler as Freddy is at his avaricious best for Great Big Stuff!
Photography by Molly Shoemaker
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is silly, sneaky and romantic with a brand of self aware humor that smoothly brings the audience in on the art of the con. It’s a lot of fun to be in on this hustle.
Moonbox Productions continues musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels live and in person at Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts through October 20. Click here for more information and for tickets.