★★★★★
Some villains are simply too charming not to love. But what kind of chaos unfolds when you put a few of them in the same small town? We find out in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a dazzling musical presented by Redfern Lane Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co.
Based on the 1988 film of the same name, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels follows the suave con-artist Lawrence Jamieson as he mentors, and later falls into competition with, the amateur conman Freddy Benson.
Their dynamic, both with each other and the victims of their schemes, leads to a chaotic, riotously funny series of events with the perfect payoff.
Director Rebecca McNamee has crafted an absolutely dazzling production. The stage crackles with energy from the very start, with the cast absolutely landing every emotional and comedic beat throughout.
Dylan Pollard, as musical director, leads the phenomenal cast and crew through the score. The music is incredible, with a blend of high energy dance numbers and soaring ballads, all masterfully executed.
The choreography by Cameron Boxall is some of the best I have ever seen. He has so perfectly aligned the movement to the tone and era of the story with the creation of razor-sharp transitions and high energy, stylised motion.
Soham Apte’s set design uses the space to tremendous effect, capturing all the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. Angelina Daniel’s stunning costuming completes the transformation, with each character perfectly reflected in their visual style.
A powerhouse cast of performers bring this story to life.
Blake Erickson captures all the debonair daring of seasoned con-artist Lawrence Jamieson. He perfectly blends powerful emotional vocal moments with immaculate comedic timing.
Rowan Witt is delightful as Freddy Benson. He pairs the amazing delivery of often blunt and crude humour with masterful physical comedy, creating a character that truly lights up every scene.
How these two performers play off each other is so much fun to watch, as they share a true love of the game, but with vastly different approaches.
Jordan Shea as Andre Thibault masterfully assumes the role of competent partner-in-crime to Jamieson’s character. Shea’s performance is so well developed and rounded. It is an absolute thrill to see him in scenes where his role gets the starring moment.
Aurélie Roque plays the charming Muriel Eubanks, initially taken in by Jamieson’s schemes but building up a strength of character over the course of the narrative that allows her to assume control of her own life. Her vocal performance is stunning, particularly in What Was A Woman To Do.
Kristina McNamara plays the delightfully optimistic yet enigmatic Christine Colgate. She truly embodies the zest for life, innocence and compassion of the role. It is a delight to see how her character interacts with Jamieson and Benson as the narrative develops.
Scarlet Lindsay is immaculate in the role of Jolene Oakes, her crudeness playing off amazingly against Jamieson’s composure and sending the audience into peals of laughter with every scene.
Finally, the ensemble is absolutely incredible. Their energy is infectious, bringing such light and joy to every moment of the show with highly polished choreography, beautiful vocals and hilarious reactions to the unfolding events.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels gives people exactly what they want: a night of razor-sharp comedy, fabulous music and gorgeous production visuals. Don’t miss this incredible show.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is presented by Redfern Lane Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co. It runs to 21 June at Hayes Theatre Co. 19 Greenknowe Avenue Potts Point NSW 2011.
It then runs 25 – 28 June at Riverside Theatre, corner Church and Market Street Parramatta NSW 2150.
Tickets for Hayes are available here.
Tickets for Riverside are available here.
Website: https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/dirty-rotten-scoundrels/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/redfernlane/ and https://www.instagram.com/hayestheatreco_official/
Photo credits: John McRae
