The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the Tony Award nominated musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," Mar. 25-Apr. 17, 2011. Tickets may be purchased at The Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.; by phone at 515-277-6261; and online at dmplayhouse.com. "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is sponsored by Allied Insurance and Consumer Credit of Des Moines.
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" centers on two con men living on the French Riviera. The first is the suave and sophisticated
Lawrence Jameson (Kent Fieldsend, "Jesus Christ Superstar"), who makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. The other, a small-time crook named Freddy Benson (
Lenny Houts, Dionysos Award winner for "All Shook Up"), more humbly swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother's failing health.
After meeting on a train, they unsuccessfully attempt to work together, only to find that this small French town isn't big enough for the two of them. Things soon become competitive between Lawrence and Freddy when soap heiress Christine Colgate (Megan Schettler Schug, Dionysos Award nominee for "Don't Dress for Dinner") comes to town. Lawrence and Freddy make a wager to see who can get $50,000 out of Christine first.A hilarious battle of cons ensues, that will keep audiences laughing, humming, and guessing to the end!
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is based on the 1963 film, "Bedtime Story," which starred
David Niven and
Marlon Brando. In 1988,
Frank Oz recreated the film, changing the title to "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," and casting
Michael Caine and
Steve Martin as the con men.
The Playhouse cast of 16 is under the direction of John Viars, with musical direction by Jeremy Randall and choreography by Alison Shafer.
The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.
For more information about
The Playhouse and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," contact
The Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261.
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels " Performances: March 25-April 17, 2011
7:30 PM Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday
2:00 PM Sunday
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" Tickets
Ticket prices $20-35, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups of 15 or more
To purchase tickets:
515-277-6261
www.dmplayhouse.com
