Review: DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at North Fork Community Theatre

Indeed the talented cast is the highlight at the North Fork Community Theatre's adorable incarnation of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the David Yazbek/Jeffrey Lane musical based on the Steve Martin/Michael Caine blockbuster movie. The comedic timing, witty quips, and a hilarious, unsuspecting story truly make this a laugh-out-loud event. Running through May 29th at the Mattituck, Long Island, venue, the terrific cast is excellently directed by Laura Pearsall.

The story centers on two con-men challenging each other to scam an American heiress out of $50,000. First you will notice they have different points of view about their swindling ways. Lawrence Jamieson, portrayed by Jack Seabury, is into ripping off corrupt, well-to-do people out of a lot of money so he can finance his lavish lifestyle. At the same time, his big-headed eventual frenemy, Freddy Benson, portrayed by Michael Hipp, schemes people simply for a meal. In other words, Freddy would take twenty dollars in a second while Lawrence would wait to get a lot more.

Mr. Seabury and Mr. Hipp are a wonderful team. Their wisecracks and sassy dialog leaves the audience in absolute stiches. Indeed a favorite is their rendition of "All About Ruprecht". Also a highlight among the company is Kelsey Cheslock who portrays Christine Colgate, the "heiress" the guys conspired to swindle... or so they were hoping to, anyway. A beautiful voice and a lot of spunk make Ms. Cheslock a natural for the role.

The overall look of the production is well done. The highlight of Michele Messinger's set was the stunning grand staircase of Lawrence's villa. This was stunningly enhanced by David Sheer's lighting and Linda Aydinian's costumes were beautiful. Additionally, Nicole Bianco's quirky chorography was delightful adding to the comedic value of Mr. Yazbek's score and Mr. Lane's book.

And so, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is no doubt another hit for the North Fork Community. A superb cast and hilarious show make for a fun night of theatre.

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is presented by The North Fork Community Theatre of Mattituck, Long Island, through May 29th.

Music & Lyrics by David Yazbek, Book by Jeffrey Lane, Directed by Laura Pearsall, Musical Direction by Karen Hochstedler, Choreography by Nicole Bianco, Set Design by Michele Messinger, Props by Tom Del Prete, Stage Management by Matt Eager, Mural by Katrina Lovett, Set Design by Katrina Lovett & Michele Messinger & James Pritchard, Costumes by Linda Aydinian & Lauren Sisson & Jan McKenna, Lighting Design by David Scheer, Sound Design by Jim Pearsall, Makeup by Sonomi Obinata

For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-298-NFCT (6328) or visit www.nfct.com.

Photo by Dee Andes; Jack Seabury and Mike Hipp as con men Lawrence and Freddy

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