BrightSide Theatre’s ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ gives audiences what they want

That’s why this seldom-produced 2004 musical version of the popular 1988 comic film, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which starred Steve Martin and Michael Caine, is such an exciting theatrical offering for this theatre company. Besides presenting shows that’ve become the Gold Standard of Theatre, BrightSide is excellent at unearthing the hidden gems that are certain to delight their audiences. Baby Boomers will no doubt remember this movie with a certain fondness; but not many theatergoers will have seen this faithful musical adaptation, or else they’ve mercifully forgotten it, due to a disappointing non-Equity National Tour that dropped by Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre in 2007.

The musical sports a clever book by multi award-winning TV writer Jeffrey Lane. It’s enriched by an appropriately lush, jazz-infused score by David Yazbek (Tony Award-winner for last year’s The Band’s Visit, as well as the composer of this year’s hot, new musical, Tootsie), that’s as sublime as they come. Yazbek’s gorgeous score truly enhances this story of con-artist Lawrence Jameson, a cunning, crafty, yet suavely cultured gentleman, who makes a living by duping wealthy women out of their money, and “Giving Them What They Want.” Jameson is ably assisted by his genteel bodyguard, Andre Thibault. Together the two men enjoy a life of luxury at Lawrence’s sumptuous mansion along the French Riviera.

The two gentlemen are on a roll, tricking a bevy of beautiful ladies out of their cash and jewels, including lovesick and gullible Muriel Eubanks. But they’re also on the lookout for a particularly clever con-artist, known only as The Jackal, who’s rumored to be infiltrating the South of France. One day, aboard the train, Jameson meets Freddy, a vulgar, unkempt, small-time crook, who Lawrence thinks may possibly be The Jackal. Then he observes Freddy bilking a woman out of 20 dollars, and realizes this man is totally out of his class. Still, unable to resist bragging, Jameson brings Freddy back to his villa to show him his “Great Big Stuff,” the treasures that creative chicanery can bring. Freddy convinces the older Lawrence to take him under his wing and teach the tricks of the flimflam trade. Jameson relents and that’s when hilarious complications result.

Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass has staged his production with the  style and elegance the show demands. Always the wearer of many hats, Cass, in addition to directing his large cast, has also designed the beautiful sets, gorgeously amplified by Ruby Lowe’s dreamy lighting design. Cass’ scenery is the perfect accompaniment to every scene. The whole show flows beautifully. Set pieces effortlessly roll on and offstage, thanks to Cass’ meticulously choreographed ensemble of actors. They dance in and out, sliding palm trees and painted panels that come together, cleverly forming a hotel lobby or a piazza on the Riviera. The audience is never forced to sit in the darkness, listening to the orchestra vamping, while waiting for the scenery to be changed. The whole production is a perfect example of how less can truly be more.

Handsome, debonair Jameson is played to perfection Jon Cunningham. No stranger to the Chicago stage, this production marks Cunningham’s debut at BrightSide Theatre. He brings culture, charm and charisma, along with a smooth song-and-dance style that’s spot-on for this role. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of Cunningham in future productions.

Dennis Schnell, a familiar face at BrightSide, makes Freddy an  appropriately loud, lowborn character, who could be the poster boy for tawdry tastelessness. He elevates grossness to an art form and provides a very vulgar contrast to Cunningham. Schnell sometimes gets a little too loud for the room, and could stand to dial back the sleaze, just a bit. What earned Norbert Leo Butz the Tony Award, in the original production, was that his Freddy was crass, but somehow likable. Schnell is so totally offensive that the audience misses the moments in which they might find him likable.

Stylish Julie Ann Kornak is simply sensational as Muriel Eubanks. Blessed with beauty, elegance and a trained soprano voice, Kornak easily breathes life into Muriel, making her ballad, “What Was a Woman to Do?” a lovely treat. When paired with Matt Gibson, as her possible love interest, Andre Thibault, the two light up the stage with “Like Zis/Like Zat.” Feisty, bubbly Margaret Rogers, steps out of the ensemble to play country girl, Jolene. She has a field day with Cunningham and the chorus in her hoedown production number, “Oklahoma?” And, not appearing until late in first act, Becca Duff sparkles with spirit and vivaciousness as supposed Soap Heiress, Christine Colgate. She bursts onto the stage with “Here I Am,” a production number that fills the stage; then she’s nicely paired with Cunningham in their lovely duet, “When We Dance.”

Great praise must be heaped upon the unsung backstage artists who help make this production such frolicsome fun. Musical Director Sarah Giordano, and her gifted, eight-piece backstage orchestra, have painted this production with mood and melody. BrightSide resident choreographer Jeni Donahue has created beautiful dance breaks that step up the action and keep the show moving, while still providing some show-stopping moments, all their own. Shana Hall’s costuming skill has never been better represented, dressing her cast in well-fitting, jewel-toned gowns, sparkling accessories and tastefully tailored tuxedos. And Production Stage Manager Becky Robbins has, as usual, mastered the monumental task of keeping the show flowing and everyone on task.

Taking the show’s opening number to heart, Cass’ expertly staged, sumptuously adorned and excellently cast production truly takes his audience into account, and “Gives Them What They Want.” Simply deciding to revive this almost forgotten musical is a great move. It’s a familiar story, based upon a popular movie, and the show offers enough lovely music and unexpected plot twists to keep the audience on its toes until the very end. The show offers a truly talented cast, particularly a remarkably accomplished ensemble, who continuously delight and surprise the audience. For a theatre company that consistently reinvents itself with every show, this may be BrightSide Theatre’s finest production to date.

BrightSide theatre p[resents “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”  through June 23 at at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth Street, Naperville. More information and tickets are available here.