The Players Theatre News www.theplayers.org
838 North Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34236 • 941.365.2494 Fax: 941.954.0282
Contact: Jason R. White, Director of Marketing, 941.365.2494 [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2014
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS STEAL THE SHOW AT THE PLAYERS THEATRE
Sarasota, March 4th, 2014 – The Players brings the decadent casino culture underworld of the French Riviera to its Sarasota stage opening March 20th with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Written by David Yazbek and Jeffrey Lane, this musical comedy is based on the 1988 film of the same name which starred Sir Michael Caine and Steve Martin. “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has it ALL! An amazing score, a hysterical script and a compelling storyline!” says Jeffery Kin, Artistic Director. “The fact that it’s a new title for the first time on The Players stage is a bonus! With a top notch creative team and incredible cast onstage, I feel this show is unstoppable!”
Described as stylish, sexy, irreverent, and “Broadway musical comedy heaven,” Dirty Rotten Scoundrels centers on two suave con-men living on the French Riviera. Master con-artist Lawrence Jameson makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. Freddy Benson, a recent arrival to the French coast, more humbly swindles women by appealing to their sensibilities with lies about his grandmother’s failing health. After a meeting of the minds, they 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 hoodwink $50,000 from a young female target, heiress Christine Colgate, wins and the other must leave town. As they both take on the bet, they fall for the same woman, but quickly realize that they may have bitten off more than they can chew. A hilarious battle of cons ensues that will keep audiences laughing, humming and guessing to the end!
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels took home the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical as well as the Drama Desk for Outstanding Actor in a Musical. It was nominated for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, as well as creative nominations for Best Direction, Choreography, Lighting Design and Orchestrations.
The musical is directed by Michael Newton-Brown, who also serves as Set Designer. Joyce Valentine is Musical Director while newcomer Kathryn Kulik serves as Choreographer. Costuming is handled by Kathy Sutton as Lighting Designer Mike Wood illuminates the stage.
Tickets are $30 for “Premium Seating” (Rows A-E) and $25 for all others. Special group pricing is available for groups of 10 or more. For tickets and information, call 941-365-2494 or visit www.theplayers.org.
Cast of Main Characters:
Lawrence Jameson – Tim Fitzgerald
Freddy Benson – Scott Vitale
Christine Colgate – Amanda Heisey
Andre Thibault – Ken Basque
Muriel – Cara Herman
Jolene – Andrea Keddell
Performance Dates*:
March 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29 at 7:30
March 23, 29, 30 at 2pm
*Possibility of extension
The Players Theatre
838 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota FL 34236, 941-365-2494, Fax: 941-954-0282
www.theplayers.org. Box Office: Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and one hour prior to curtain time.
The Players Box Office is located on Tamiami Trail between 10th Street and Blvd. of the Arts.
Photos: Courtesy of Don Daly Photo
Dirty1.jpg: (from left) Amanda Heisey, Tim Fitzgerald.
Dirty2.jpg: Tim Fitzgerald, Amanda Heisey
Dirty2Square: “ “
Dirty3.jpg: Tim Fitzgerald; Scott Vitale
Dirty4.jpg: Amanda Heisey
Dirty5.jpg: Scott Vitale
Dirty6.jpg: Tim Fitzgerald
Jason R. White
Director of Marketing
The Players Theatre
838 N Tamiami Trail
Sarasota FL 34236
941-365-2494 Fax 941-954-0282
