‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ to open at Clear Space May 5
"Give Them What They Want!" sing cast members of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," as this Tony-nominated musical comedy opens to a lively casino scene amidst swindles galore. And, assuming a rollicking, fun evening of theatre is what audiences members want, they are sure to find it when the show opens at 7 p.m., Friday, May 5, at Clear Space Theatre in Rehoboth Beach. An evening of trickery and reversals is assured as Yazbek and Lane's show brings together competing con men Lawrence (David Warick) and Freddy (Steven Dow), the women they target and the double-crossing, hilarious means they all are willing to employ to achieve their nefarious ends.
Making her Clear Space directorial debut with this show, Shannon Parks says, "It's been some time since I've had the opportunity to direct a big, splashy musical - and I'm loving it! 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' is just such a blast! It offers a compelling juxtaposition of the elegant and the crass, very cleverly woven together in an uproariously funny script with gorgeous music. This show is a joy to direct, and I know the audience is going to love the wild ride we take them on!"
Dow says, "Freddy is loud, obnoxious and crude - yet funny and lovable at the same time! Freddy loves the game that he and Lawrence play - a battle of wits to see who can be the dirtiest rotten scoundrel. I love this role - how much more fun could someone possibly have?"
He adds, "This is the second Yazbek-scored production I've been in at Clear Space - the other was 'The Full Monty,' where I also shared the stage with David Warick. Yazbek's music is great, and the opportunity to work with David again is even better! Of all the shows Clear Space is producing this year, this one - and the role of Freddy - was at the top of my wish list."
Reflecting on her debut as a director at Clear Space, Parks says, "I have the privilege of working with a fabulously talented cast and a fantastic support system in musical direction, choreography and production design. I feel so fortunate to have found this artistic home here at the beach! Clear Space is such a lively, evocative and evolving company - one that has given me a wonderfully warm welcome and nurtures an uncommon feeling of family throughout the company."
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" runs weekends from Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 21, with performances at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and at 3 p.m., Sundays. There also is one Thursday show at 11 a.m., May 11. Tickets for all shows are $17-$32. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.clearspacetheatre.org or call 302-227-2270.
