Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

The Monash University Musical Company (MUMCo) will present David Yazbek and Jeffrey Lane’s hilarious Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the end of July at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton.

The musical premiered in San Diego, California on September 22, 2004, before moving to Broadway in January 2005 and officially opening in March at the Imperial Theatre. The show closed on Broadway on September 3, 2006 with a total of 626 performances. The cast included John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, and Sherie Rene Scott, with Joanna Gleason and Gregory Jbara. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, the show won Best Leading Actor in a Musical for Norbert Leo Butz’s hilarious portrayal of Freddy Benson.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels centers on two con men living on the French Riviera. The first is the suave and sophisticated Lawrence Jameson, who makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. The other, a small-time crook named Freddy Benson, more humbly swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother's failing health.

After meeting at a classy French Resort, they unsuccessfully attempt to work together only to find that this small French town isn't big enough for the two of them. They agree on a settlement: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target, heiress Christine Colgate, wins and the other must leave town. A hilarious battle of cons ensues, that will keep audiences laughing, humming and guessing to the end!

MUMCo’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is being directed by Tyler Hess, choreographed by Sophie Briggs and Leah Osburn and musically directed by Natalie Reid. The production will showcase the talents of over 50 cast and crew members, many of which are current Monash University students. MUMCo is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing quality, student-produced musical theatre to the Monash University and surrounding communities.

Performances will take place from July 29th – August 7th at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton. Evening performances will take place at 8pm on Thursday 29th, Friday 30th, Saturday 31st, Thursday 5th, and Friday 6th with a 2pm matinee on Sunday 1st and 6pm shows on Wednesday 4th and Saturday 7th.

Bookings can be made through the Alexander Theatre Box Office on 9905 1111 or online at www.monash.edu.au/monart/whatson.htm