Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

There is a sucker born every minute. A fool and his money are soon parted. We have all heard these types of sayings, the warning signs of meeting the con artist. That nasty dirty rotten scoundrel who will do whatever he can to take your money.
The students at Pueblo Centennial High School tried to warn the excited Friday night crowd. The school’s theater department presented the musical “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” based on the 1980’s movie starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin. As our show opens we met the two shysters. They are each playing a role trying hard to trick any and all women out of their money.
A chance meeting on a train causes the two to end up working together. The older veteran Lawrence Jameson played wonderfully by Antonio Faloona, taking the other under his wing. Dane Anderson as the younger Freddy Benson is outstanding. His association with the local chief of police, the charming and delightful Rasmus Hagn-Meinche as Andre Thibault, greatly helps Lawrence.
After the lesson is complete and Freddy tires of the act they like most cons cannot resist trying to one up the other. So they make a bet. They both try to trick the same woman out of an amount of money the loser must leave town. They choose The American Soap Queen, Christine Colgate, played by Anne Bennett.
The musical selections of the show were quit wonderful. Despite the sound difficulties and the inability to hear some of the lyrics and dialogue the songs were charming and catchy. The opening number, “Give Them What They Want,” set the mood for the entire show, the idea that the mark really wants you to take their money. The show had it all from the silly and funny, “All About Ruprecht.” To the melancholy “Love Sneaks In.” The entire cast and crew should be proud of a terrific and entertaining show.
As with any show there are always standouts that seem to draw the attention of the audience. Antonio Faloona was excellent as the sophisticated and dapper Lawrence. His ability to slip from accent to accent was fun to watch. Jennifer Jackson as the lovelorn Muriel was one of the brightest stars on the stage. Her voice and acting were both of the highest level. Rasmus was exceptional as the lovable and crafty Andre. Once his microphone issue was corrected his nice voice was pleasant to listen to.
The ensemble were all fun and helped the show immensely. The stage crew was quiet, quick and seamless with scene changes. The lovely music from the orchestra was amazing. Yes even the “brass” section. The two superior members of the cast were easily Dane Anderson, as Freddy Benson and Adele Mead as Jolene. Dane’s stage presence and strong voice was always right on the mark and clear as a bell. His comedy timing was awesome, and he had the crowd laughing out loud.
Adele simply amazed the entire crowd with her every move and song. She was full of energy and talent. Her song Oklahoma was easily one of the best of the show. Her performance made us all believe she was a rich southern ranch woman. She will undoubtedly go far in her theater career.
The entire cast and crew should be proud of putting on such an outstanding and fun show. All did well. You have one more chance to see this show, Saturday evening February 26, 7pm at the Centennial high auditorium. Tickets are five dollars. Come see the show and support the young talent of Pueblo.

-John M. Valdez, Reviewer
PPAG