Based on the popular 1988 film, this musical by Jeffrey Lane 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 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. 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!

What the Critics Have to Say...

"A knockout punch to Broadway's funnybone! One of the liveliest, funniest, best-performed musicals in years. Super-smart and superior in every way."
Clive Barnes, New York Post

"One of the most deliciously funny, smashing shows of the last 20 years! This is musical-comedy heaven."
Robert Feldberg, The Record

"It would be a crime to miss it! Scoundrels' quirky brilliance will astound. A must-see."
Roma Torre, NY1 News

"A four-star treat! Give these gents a Tony now and be done with it."
Michael Sommers, The Star-Ledger

"Director Jack O'Brien has had hits with The Full Monty and Hairspray. Scoundrels makes it a trifecta of triumphs."
John Lahr, The New Yorker

"At long last, laughs! Finally, a big new musical that Broadway can feel thrilled to call its own. Sweet natured yet droll, dorky but gorgeous, wholesome yet raunchy and somehow sophisticated."
Linda Winer, Newsday

"I know funny when I see it, and this show is a perfect hoot! A big hit."
Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal

"It doesn't get any funnier than this! You're still laughing a week later!"
Pat Collins, WWOR-TV

"One of the most enjoyable nights I've ever spent in the theater."
Liz Smith

"Easily the cleverest, funniest musical on Broadway in years!"
Time Out New York

DIRECTORS NOTES

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is the 50th production that I have directed for the Stuttgart Entertainment Branch, spanning a twenty year stint in Stuttgart that begin with ANNIE (May 1988) which was held in the Stuttgart Theater Center that was at that time located at 5th General Hospital in Bad Cannstatt. I also directed the final Entertainment Branch musical that played on that stage, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (which incidentally, starred one of this evening’s performers, Jeanne Ragonese). After a short absence, I returned to direct my first show on this stage, CABARET. During that show I met the woman who was to become my wife and made many new friends (many of whom also appear in this production). I continued to direct
plays and musicals and helped the theater through two major renovations.

Last year, we re-opened the newly renovated theater as the crown jewel in Army Entertainment theaters world-wide. Our grand re-opening title, LES MISÉRABLES, set new attendance records, and the theater and the efforts of our volunteers was recognized on a national level. Stuttgart has been my home for nearly my entire adult life and it is with a heavy heart that I say “auf wiedersehen” to so many friends. I have learned my art on this stage, in front of this audience, with these actors, and it has been an honor.

As I leave for my new home, I look forward to many new challenges and I will always remember this stage, this audience, these actors and the family that we have created for so many people here so far away from home. I dedicate this production to my mentor, Janet M. Ast who welcomed me to the family that she created. Thank you all for so much for being such a major part of my life for these past twenty years. Please continue to create and support live theater in this beautiful space full of so many memories of so many friendships.

Aloha, Brett