Dirty Rotten Scoundrels April 24, 2007

The National Tour of the scamming, scheming, double-crossing hit Broadway musical, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, is coming to Salt Lake City at the Capitol Theatre from April 24 to April 29, 2007. DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS reunites David Yazbek (music and lyrics) with Tony Award winners Jack O’Brien (direction) and Jerry Mitchell (choreography), the Tony-nominated team behind The Full Monty. The raucous new musical comedy show features a book by Jeffrey Lane that keeps audiences laughing, humming and guessing to the very end. Tickets on Sale Friday, February 16 at all ArtTix outlets, 355-ARTS, ArtTix.org.

Based on the popular 1988 MGM film, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS centers on two con men living on the French Riviera – the suave and sophisticated Lawrence Jameson, who makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money; and a small-time crook named Freddy Benson, who, more humbly, swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother’s failing health. After meeting on a train, they unsuccessfully attempt to work together only to find that this small French town isn’t big enough for the two of them. So they make a bet: the first one to swindle $50,000 from a young heiress, triumphs and the other must leave town. What follows are a series of schemes, masquerades and double-crosses in which nothing may ever be exactly what it seems.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS opened on Broadway in March 2005 to rave reviews, where it continues to delight audiences at The Imperial Theatre. The New York Times’ Ben Brantley called it, “The most eagerly awaited new musical of the season.” Clive Barnes (New York Post) raved, “A knockout punch to Broadway’s funnybone! One of the liveliest, funniest, best-performed musicals in years. Super-smart and superior in every way.” And Terry Teachout (The Wall Street Journal) proclaimed, “I know funny when I see it, and this show is a perfect hoot! A big hit.” DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS was awarded 11 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. The musical had its world premiere at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre in September 2004.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS features the music and lyrics of David Yazbek (The Full Monty) with direction by Jack O’Brien (Hairspray, The Full Monty, Damn Yankees), choreography by Jerry Mitchell (La Cage aux Folles, Hairspray, The Full Monty, Gypsy), and a book by Jeffrey Lane. The design team includes David Rockwell (sets), Gregg Barnes (costumes), Kenneth Posner (lighting) and Acme Sound Partners (sound). Ted Sperling serves as musical director and the orchestrations are by Harold Wheeler.

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is produced on Broadway and on National Tour by The Dirty Rotten Producers in association with MGM On Stage. The executive producers are Marty Bell and Aldo Scrofani.

For Tickets call ArtTix, 355-ARTS, ArtTix.org starting Friday, February 16. DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS will be at the Capitol Theatre April 24-29 for eight performances. Show times are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30pm; Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 7pm; Matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Ticket prices are $30-$72.50. Presented by Zions Bank Broadway Across America – Utah.

Official Website: http://broadwayacrossamerica.com/BAA.Public.Web/Pages/News.aspx?isSTH=0&city=Salt%20Lake%20City&storyId=6816