Lovable “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” Romp at Broward Center

Published February 1st, 2008

By Skip Sheffield
STAFF WRITER

Everyone loves a scoundrel, or so it would seem.

David Niven was one debonair scoundrel in the 1964 movie “Bedtime Story.”

Marlon Brando played his vulgar but equally devious rival, preying on rich women on the French Riviera.

“Bedtime Story” was remade by director Frank Oz as “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” with Michael Caine in the Niven role and Steve Martin as the younger rival.

“Dirty Scoundrels” was reconceived as a Broadway stage musical by playwright Jeffrey Jane and composer-lyricist David Yazbek. It was nominated for several 2005 Tonys and a Best Actor Award went to Norbert Leo as the upstart, Freddy.

Freddy is played by Doug Thompson in the Broadway Across America touring show playing through Feb. 10 at the Broward Center for the Arts.

Jamie Jackson, a tall, handsome, Australian-born chap who has given up the battle with baldness and shaved his head, plays the older scoundrel Lawrence Jameson.

Lawrence is a smug and secure con man who introduces himself with “The Only Game in Town,” sung with his confederate Andre (Jeff Essex), who conveniently is a police inspector.

The situation is about to change with the arrival of Freddy Benson (Doug Thompson), a brash rube with a Texas accent.
Lawrence takes a shine to Freddy at first, showing off his technique by seducing rich Omaha cowgirl Muriel Eubanks (Suzanne Sole).

Freddy has ambitions of his own (“Great Big Stuff”) and when he starts meeting with some success Lawrence challenges him to a bet: $50,000 if he can seduce heiress Christine Colgate (Jenny Gulley), leave town if he can’t.
Actor-singer Jamie Jackson is a performer who makes everything seem effortless. Doug Thompson is the opposite. He works up quite a literal sweat playing Freddy, which adds comedy to his character. It’s particularly effective when he pretends to be a paralyzed veteran in wheelchair, with smooth Lawrence as his tormentor.

The ladies of “Scoundrels” are wonderful, from the leggy chorines to Suzanne Sole’s boisterous good ol’ gal Muriel to Jenny Gulley’s clever Christine. David Yazbek’s score is no great shakes but it is serviceable, as was his first show, “The Full Monty,” and well-sung by the cast.

No, it’s not “South Pacific,” but “Scoundrels” is rousing, only somewhat dirty fun.
Tickets are $21-$65. Call (954) 462-0222 or go to www.browardcenter.org.