Review: DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre

After spending the past decade teaching and directing in the West Fargo school district Adam Pankow took over as Artistic Director of FMCT last year. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is his first full directing job since starting his new position.

For those not familiar with the musical it is based on the 1988 movie starring Steve Martin and Michael Cain. The story follows two con men who bet each other on who can swindle an American heiress out of $50,000 first.

Pankow did a great job in the casting, using a nice mix of stage veterans and some younger actors and actresses.

Starring as Lawrence Jameson is Miles Barnum (in his 2st FMCT production). You might recognize his name as the director of West Fargo's production of White Buffalo earlier this year. I love seeing teachers & directors on stage putting to rest that common misconception of "those who can't... teach". Miles definitely CAN, and does a wonderful job on stage combining his acting, singing and dancing skills.

Co-Starring as Freddy Benson (2nd FMCT production) is Dave Brunsvold. This was my first time seeing Dave and I was not disappointed. He had me laughing out loud in every scene he was in. His comedic timing was spot on and he was right at home on stage.

As Christine Colgate (2nd FMCT production) we have Ellery Lystad as the American heiress who just may or may not fall for one of our con men. Ellery did a great job on stage and her powerful solo voice was such a joy to listen to.

Playing the sidekick/co-conman/local police inspector Andre Thibault is Adam Montgomery (3rd FMCT production). Adam was another one who had me laughing many times. His scenes in Act 2 with Shelby Cochran were hilarious.

I also must mention some of our younger actors that I recognized in supporting/ensemble roles. Hans Wohler (2nd FMCT production) who I last saw as Mr Banks in the Trollwood Production of Mary Poppins a few years ago. Randy Taylor (2nd FMCT production) who played Prince Eric in the Trollwood Production of The Little Mermaid. Braden Miller (1st FMCT production)who I recently reviewed in West Fargo Sheyenne's Production of Titanic: The Musical. Last but certainly not least Jaylen Rick (10th FMCT production) who I reviewed a few weeks ago in Fargo Davies Production of The Three Musketeer's. You will be able to see Braden and Jaylen in this summer's Trollwood Production of Hello Dolly.

I also have to give note to the excellent choreography by Patrick Kasper, as well as the excellent Pit Orchestra led by Isaac Schwartz

This is a fun show that will have you laughing for sure. You still have chances to see this and I recommend that you do.

***Photo Credits Perry Rust

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