Renaissance City Theatre‘s production of the popular musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, now playing at Granite Theatre in Westerly, is a hilarious all-singing, all-dancing gem of a show. Based on the successful 1988 film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels boasts a script chock-a-block full of raunchy jokes penned by TV writer Jeffrey Lane (“Mad About You”) and a nostalgic grab bag of songs from The Full Monty scribe David Yazbek.
Set on the exotic shores of the French Riviera, courtesy of a multi-functional and bright set, the musical at its heart is about two opposing con men out to bilk wealthy socialites for their jewels, money and hearts. Directed in high comedic style by artistic director David Jepson and accompanied by a wonderful musical trio led by musical director Stephen DeCesare, the adaptation plays out like a Preston Sturges screwball comedy. (Don’t know director Sturges’ films? Netflix The Palm Beach Story immediately and watch a masterfully off-the-wall comedy that I’m surprised ever made it past the censors in 1942. And, you’re welcome.)
In homage to the show’s old-school musical roots, it kicks off with a scene-setting “Overture” followed by “Give Them What They Want,” where swindler Lawrence Jameson (Marcus J. Fisk ) and his duplicitous partner and local police chief André (Ethan Marble) make the rounds working their magic on the glitterati at the casino.
The suave Jameson has been masquerading as a dethroned prince desperately in need of money. He soon is fully funded — and fawned over – by lonely heart rich girl Muriel (a quirky and sweet Courtney Littlefield.) Fisk cuts such a handsomely smooth figure in the role of Jameson that it is a wonderful surprise when he proves to be a masterful comic as well. A true triple threat, Fisk was equally at home with the singing, dancing — and yes, romancing — that the play demands.
Soon we meet scruffy con-artist Freddy Benson (Ryan Sekac), a small-time grifter who tugs at the heartstrings of his marks with sad stories of an ailing grandmother. Reminiscent sometimes of a manic Jack Black, Sekac gives a wonderful performance, bouncing effortlessly between tossing off one-liners to giving some of the best (and broadest) physical comedy I have seen in a good while.
No sooner do the two men meet than the cultured Jameson takes a Pygmalion-esque shine to sad sack Freddy and, a quick wardrobe upgrade later, the two con-men embark on a competition to be the first to swindle $50,000 from the newly arrived “American Soap Queen” (played with plucky energy by an engaging Maria Sepe Tavarozzi.)
Onstage chemistry is such a tricky thing to create; as Mama Rose would say, “You either got it…or you ain’t.” Well let me tell you, the duo of Fisk and Sekac is electric on stage. Wait – did you think I meant romantic chemistry? Ah, I see. While there are plenty of cute, flirty moments between the many couples in the play, the fun of watching these two actors competing to one-up the other is great theater. Kudos to director Jepson in casting these two as they build on each other’s energy and comic timing to great effect. (I found myself at intermission mulling over a few other shows I would pay good money to see these two teamed up in again … I’ll drop you a list … but I digress.)
As Dirty Rotten Scoundrels progresses, wacky subplots, intrigue and unexpected romance abound and the supporting cast does not disappoint. Of special mention is Diana Blanda as Jolene, the rich Okie gal who thinks she has roped herself a husband in Jameson. Blanda is a hoot who (deservedly) brings down the house with her over the top “Oklahoma?” number. Coming in at two and a half hours all told, the show boasts more song and dance numbers than I can count. Lisa Clough’s choreography is lively and fun, featuring a standout ensemble of talented singers and dancers.
I’m not sure how I can justify calling myself a true Rhode Islander since this show marked my very first outing to Granite Theatre. They’ve only been around for say, 15 years, and they are putting on high energy, fun and affordable theatee right in our own backyard. You are going to kick yourself if you don’t get down to Westerly in the next two weeks – catch these Dirty Rotten Scoundrels while you can!
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels continues through November 15 with shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Tickets $25, with discounts for seniors/children. Purchase online at granitetheatre.com or call 401-596-2341.
More Posts by The Author:
Rewriting the Rules: Collaboration Is the Engine Driving WomensWork’s Madwoman in the Volvo
Theater as Activism: “The Clinic” features all-star cast to benefit women’s reproductive rights
Stage Presence: Korey Pimental and Taylor Corbett chat about The Glass Horse Project, staging LaBute in New Bedford and the need to see differently-abled talent on stage
Singer Katie Kleyla Trades the Jazz Mic for the Spotlight Onstage in All Shook Up at the Community Players
Mild-Mannered Professionals by Day — Bawdy Singing Romans by Night! Meet the Cast of Barker’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
