Springfield Little Theatre concludes the 2014-15 season with the musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" June 12-28 at the Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut.
Director Chyrel Miller says it's based on the popular Steve Martin-Michael Caine movie. "It's beautifully written (book by Jeffrey Lane, music and lyrics by David Yazbek), with comedic gestures, pausing and timing, and the music is so fun. The soundtrack that's out, if you listen to it, there are several notable (songs)--'The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,' 'Give 'em What They Want,' and 'Great Big Stuff,' which received a Tony nomination." Musical direction for this LT production is by Susan Gravatt.
Based on the popular film, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" centers on two con men living on the French Riviera. One makes his living by talking rich ladies out of their money. The other, more humbly, swindles women by appealing to their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother’s need for a hip replacement. After meeting, they try working together (to scam "an heiress from Oklahoma, Jolene"), only to find out that the town isn’t big enough for both of them. They agree on a plan: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target wins and the other must leave town.
Chyrel Miller, director of LT's production, says "we have a twist to the ending--which I will not give out--but it winds up to be a beautiful romantic ending."
The production opens Friday June 12 and will runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm through June 28. To purchase tickets, call the Landers box office at 869-1334 or visit www.springfieldlittletheatre.org.
