AMHERST - No one wants to be known as a dirty, rotten scoundrel - but they sure are fun to watch.
Showcase Productions will bring the musical adaptation of the 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to the stage this week. It's a story of two con men - the sophisticated Lawrence Jameson, played by Lawry MacLeod, and small-time crook Freddy Benson, played by Ben MacLeod.
One lives a lavish lifestyle by bilking the ladies out of their money while they other swindles women by waking the compassion with fabricated storied about his ailing grandmother.
After meeting on a train, they unsuccessfully attempt to work together only to find this small French town isn't big enough for the two of them. They agree on a settlement: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target, heiress Christine Colgate - played by Veronica Trenholm - wins and the other must leave town. Needless to say, nothing goes according to plan.
"I saw the stage production on Broadway and thought it was hilarious," director Michelle Hicks said. "It stuck in my mind - I don't just watch plays for the shows anymore. I'm always thinking about staging; who can play what roles. I was delighted when the script came up for leasing."
In rehearsals since January, the cast and crew of more than 20 participants are making the final adjustments for Thursday's opening night. Tickets are available at Pugsley's Pharmacy, Gordon's Ladies Wear and a limited number at the door.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels runs May 10 to 12 at the Susan Taylor Theatre at Amherst Regional High School. Showtime is 8 p.m.
Proceeds go towards Showcase Production's scholarship and bursary funds.
