BROADWAY SNAP-SHOT
by Russell Bouthiller
Dateline: March 20, 2005
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Based on the 1988 movie of the same name, which itself was adapted from the 1964 Marlon Brando/David Niven comedy, "Bedtime Story," DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS pits class against crass in this new David Yazbek /Jeffrey Lane musical. Starring John Lithgow and Norbert Leo Butz, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is chock-o-bloc full of low-brow lyrics and cheap gags which should keep audiences howling for quite some time.
Directed by Tony-winning director Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell—the same creative force that launched Yazbek's Broadway debut, THE FULL MONTY—DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS follows the antics of two irresistible con men working the French Riviera. Wealthy, unsuspecting women are their preferred game and the two approach their craft with completely opposite styles.
SCOUNDRELS opens with a devilishly delightful number, "Give Them What They Want," in which Lawrence Jameson (Lithgow) and corrupt Chief of Police, Andre Thibault (Gregory Jbara), proclaim their swindles to be the wish-fulfillment of their unsuspecting victims. Jameson poses as a well-polished Prince in trouble and Thibault his faithful sidekick. When Andre reads in the morning paper that they have competition who goes by the name, The Jackal, Jameson dismisses it as a minor threat.
Returning from a trip to Switzerland, Jameson encounters small-time grifter Freddy Benson (Butz). Jameson gives him the brush-off, but Freddy is onto his suave routine and wants to be taught the ropes. When the phony Prince needs his help to get out of a jam with the gun-totting Jolene Oakes (Sara Gettelfinger), the two take up a bet as to which one is the better con.
Enter Soap Queen Christine Colgate (Sherie Rene Scott), adorably innocent and full of verve. Christine becomes their pigeon as the two crooks set out the gain her geld. Freddy passes himself off as a wheelchair-bound vet suffering from "Dance Fever," a psychosomatic ailment that leaves him numb from the waist down. He tells Christine he needs money to hire the one man who can cure him. Turning the tables on Freddy, Jameson poses as that high-priced shrink.
Two-time Tony winner John Lithgow has a field day as the debonair, narcissistic fraud who believes himself to be irresistible to all women. His comic timing is flawless and perfectly matches Yazbek's insane lyrics. After Lithgow's Tony-win for a great performance in the short-lived and underrated show, SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, it's a joy to see him in a vehicle with sturdier legs.
Norbert Leo Butz almost steals the show as Freddy, turning out the evening's most hysterical numbers. "Great Big Stuff" allows him to rap and jive with beefed-up bluster and posing as the Prince's younger brother minus a few critical chromosomes, "All About Ruprecht" brings down the house. Butz garnered glowing notices across the board and is a sure contender for this year's biggest awards.
Sherie Rene Scott beams as Christine Colgate. From her dynamic entrance number, "Here I Am," to her hysterical duet with Freddy, "Love Is My Legs," Scott brings an infectious, innocent charm to a character that turns out to be a bit of a scoundrel herself. Jbara's return to Broadway is a welcomed event. So, too, is that of Tony-winner Joanna Gleason who plays Muriel Eubanks, a divorcee with deep pockets. And, Gettelfinger kicks up a dust storm as the Oklahoma heiress.
David Rockwell's azure scenic designs give the stage of the Imperial Theatre a Mediterranean glow. Lighting by Kenneth Posner keep the cast nicely bronzed. Costumes by Gregg Barnes are dapper and crisp. Mitchell's choreography is on mark with elegantly staged turntable effects. O'Brien's direction is perfectly timed. DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, a steal at full price.