Review: 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'

Now that the cold weather has hit, isn’t time to get away someplace warm? Say, The French Riviera?  That’s where Hart House Theatre takes us with their crowd-pleasing production of the musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Featuring a tuneful score by David Yazbek, the show tells the tale of two con-men competing for turf in this playground for the rich. The script is loaded with comic interplay, and the show never takes itself too seriously with many self referential jokes

Director Jeremy Hutton underscores the comedy by assembling a great cast of local performers who clearly relish the opportunity to make people laugh. Hutton keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, giving the performance a professional sheen. Adding to this is the stylish choreography and musical staging by Ashleigh Powell.

Heading the cast is Neil Silcox who gives a properly suave portrayal of Lawrence Jameson, a grifter who has mastered the art of the con. Silcox adopts a clipped accent suggesting a mix of Noel Coward and Rex Harrison. He makes certain that every line of dialogue and every clever lyric is delivered with crisp, clear diction. Just as the character is always in control, so is the performer. 

His challenger, Freddy Benson, is played with stooge-like invention by Evan Dowling. He is the show’s funny bone:  A crass and not terribly bright American who lusts for wealth and fame, but lacks his mentor’s sophisticated charm. They make a delightful odd couple as they attempt to trump each other.

They are aided and abetted by Cameron Johnston as Andre the corrupt police chief and Janet Hawke as Muriel of Omaha. Their unlikely romance yields a delightful soft-shoe number, “Like Zis, Like Zat.”  Ashley Gibson as the soap queen, Christina Colgate gets to deliver two musical gems, the lively “Here I Am” and the not-quite honestly romantic “Nothing is too Wonderful to be True.”  Mostly, however, her character acts as an unwitting accomplice to Lawrence and he attempts to humiliate Freddy

You’ll see why this show proved such a hit on Broadway, and it’s about time Toronto audiences had a chance to see it. None of the touring versions played our city, so an extra vote of thanks to Hart House Theater for offering us such a first-rate production.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels plays at Hart House Theatre through Saturday January 29. For tickets visit www.uofttix.ca or cal 416-978-8849.