DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Plays Dreamwrights Stage, Now thru 6/23

The hit Broadway musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, opens Thursday in York at DreamWrights Youth and Family Theatre. The show, described as "stylish, sexy, irreverent, and Broadway musical comedy heaven," tells the story of two odd-couple-like con men living and swindling women on the French Riviera. The elegant Lawrence Jameson and slovenly Freddy Benson meet on a train and make an attempt at working together only to find the town is not big enough for both of them. What follows is a hilarious battle of cons, schemes, masquerades, and double-crosses that keep audiences "laughing, guessing and humming to the very end."

The show's comedic jousting is lead by young local actors Nik Olson (Lawrence Jameson), and Gabe Ryan (Freddy Benson) as the dirty rotten scoundrels. Olson, a York College Sophomore, finds playing Lawrence both challenging and fun. "He's a very clever character-- He's cunning, and changes persona on a dime," says Olson. Ahmae Messersmith plays Muriel Eubanks. "This has been a really fast process," says Messersmith, "and the most risqué show I have ever done." Messersmith, a Susquehannock High School graduate, is currently attending York College as a Mass Communications major who hopes to go into news broadcasting. The delightful Christine Colgate is played by West York High School Senior Megan Cintron. Cintron says Christine "seems sweet and innocent but she has lots of sides to her personality." Cintron won the Talent portion of York's Distinguished Young Women Competition last spring for her vocal performance. Cintron says "this show has been so much fun; Steve is my favorite director. This show got me through finals because I looked forward so much to coming to rehearsal every night." When not on stage Cintron and Messersmith are both helping out in the pit. "This is my first time playing a cabasa," says Cintron, who the pit calls their "tambourine queen." Also featured in the cast are Chris Brown (Inspector Andre), and Monica Toren (Jolene Oakes). The ensemble includes Noah Conway, Nic Ecker, Julia Levis, Kailee Mae Nelson, Devin Palmieri, Jen Richards, Abby Shore, Taylor Slusser and Nathaniel Tyson.

The production is directed by Steve Doud who has lead the DreamWrights summer musical for the past 4 years. "I really enjoy doing something that really challenges the teens," explains Doud. "And these summer musicals have been a wonderful addition to the DreamWrights season." In addition to Doud, the production team includes Musical Director, Arlo Ehly, who has been part of the summer musical since its first season 7 years ago. Ehly, now a Music Education senior at Susquehanna University, leads a large musical pit of 14 instruments. "It's a jazz-influenced score," says Ehly. "It's filled with campy swing and a big band sound." Choreographing the summer musical for the third year is Katie Berkebile. Berkebile thought Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was "a little trickier to choreograph because of the musical styles," but added that "working with these kids has been wonderful." The Set and Technical Direction are by Ray Olewiler, Costume Design by Rebecca Eastman, Lighting Design by Tony Fogle, and Stage Management by Sydney Thro and Kelsie Parrish.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, nominated for 10 Tony Awards, is based on the 1988 film of the same name, and features the music and lyrics of David Yazbek and book by Jeffrey Lane. DreamWrights is known for reliably family-friendly, "G-rated" productions and this tale of sleazy shysters, sprinkled with a bit of vulgarity, may not be suitable for all ages. Parents should be aware there is some sexual innuendo, drinking, adult themes and adult language.

"This show is high energy, lots of fun, and hilarious," says Doud. "The cast has worked so hard and we are all really proud of the results." The production runs tonight, June 20 and 21 at 6:30; June 22 at 7:00; and June 22 and 23 at 2:30. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $12 for reserved seating, and may be purchased online at www.dreamwrights.org, or by calling 848-8623.

DreamWrights, now in its 16th year, is the region's non-profit, family-oriented, community theatre in which people of all ages can come together to learn and grow in a safe, supportive and positive environment. DreamWrights is located at 100 Carlisle Ave., York, and more information can be found at www.dreamwrights.org, www.facebook.com/pages/DreamWrights-Youth-and-Family-Theatre, or by calling 717-848-8623.

"DreamWrights creates magical family-centered memories, develops youth leadership skills and enhances life-long opportunities."

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