DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, Starring Gillman, Bundonis And Yuen, Opens At Theatre By The Sea 8/12

Theatre By The Sea owner and producer Bill Hanney, Producing Artistic Director Amiee Turner and Managing Producer Joel Kipper are proud to announce the opening of the Broadway sensation, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on August 12.

Based on the popular 1988 film, the story focuses on two con men - the sophisticated, Lawrence Jameson and the small-time crook, Freddy Benson - who are enjoying the high life on the glamorous French Riviera. After deciding that the town isn't big enough for them both, they make a bet: the first one to swindle $50,000 from a young female heiress wins, while the other must leave town. A hilarious battle ensues bringing out the best - and the worst - in both men. The frantic game of one-upmanship will leave audiences in hysterics.

Producing Artistic Director Amiee Turner, who directed this season's highly acclaimed production of Crazy For You, returns to the director's chair and is joined, once again, by music director Andrew Smithson. Choreographer Chris Saunders, who recently choreographed the 10th Anniversary National Tour of Footloose, makes his Theatre By The Sea debut at and Marcia Zammarelli of Cranston, who has been managing the costume shop for the entire season plays double duty as costume designer. Jason Gillman is thrilled to be bringing the role of Freddy Benson back to the stage after having played the role on Broadway and Al Bundonis, who is currently appearing in the off-Broadway musical, Sessions, has come to Matunuck to portray the role of Lawrence Jamison. Lisa Yuen, who plays "Rachael" on "All My Children," will be playing the role of Christine Colgate and Christopher Swan, who played the role of Hysterium in the 2007 sneak preview production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum has returned to play the role of Andre Thibault. Local performer Stacey Geer of Attleboro, will be making her Theatre By The Sea debut in the role of Muriel Eubanks.

Audiences are invited to enhance their theatre experience by dining in the casual, contemporary and creative atmosphere of Bistro by the Sea, just a short stroll down the arbor walk adjacent to the theatre. Following performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, theatergoers can enjoy fun, food and drinks at the popular Late Night Cabaret with Sabrina Blaze. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and the cabaret and can be made by calling (401) 789-3030 after 3:00 pm.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will be presented from August 12-September 6, with preview performances on August 12 and 13 and opening night scheduled for August 14. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 pm, Thursdays at 2 pm, Saturdays at 4:30 & 8:30 pm, and Sunday evenings at 5 pm, with special performance times on Sunday, August 16 at 3 & 8 pm. The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI. Tickets for preview performances, Wednesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 13 are $35 and $39-$49 for all other performances. Discount rates are available for groups of 20 or more by calling (401) 782-3800 x18. $15 Student rush tickets will be available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance with a valid student ID. Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday-Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, online 24-hours-a-day at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587). The box office will also be open one hour prior to every performance.

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For more information, visit www.theatrebythesea.com.