It is being directed by Jerry Mitchell who choreographed the show in New York. He has been working with David Yazbek (music and lyrics) and Jeffrey Lane (who wrote the book) tightening, re-writing and re-conceiving the show. Apparently Olivier award-winning designer Peter McKintosh has redesigned it from top to bottom and the first 15 minutes have been completely re-choreographed.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was not an immediate hit on Broadway because it was miscast, but when the cast changes Jonathan Pryce teamed up with Norbert Lutz their chemistry meant it became a hit.
Michell explained: "It’s completely different from what we did on Broadway. That was important to get it right here"
Casting to date is Robert Lindsay who is returning to musicals after 16 years (most notably playing Bill Snibson in the London revival of Me and My Girl for which he won an Olivier Award and a Tony Award on Broadway). His co-stars are actor and comedian Rufus Hound (One Man Two Guvnors) and West End leading lady Katherine Kingsley who is currently playing Helena in Michael Grandage’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with musical theatre credits including Piaf, Aspects Of Love and Singin’ In The Rain.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is about a trio of sophisticated con artists living it up on the French Riviera. The 1988 film starred Michael Caine and Steve Martin. Lindsay will play debonair Lawrence Jamieson who believes in conning corrupt, rich people out of their money so he can spend it on culture and a lavish lifestyle. Hound is his sidekick small time cocky American hustler and Freddy Benson and Katherine Kingsley is Janet Colgate (a naive American heiress).
Jerry Mitchell Productions is presenting the musical in partnership with producer Howard Panter and the Ambassador Theatre Group.
Have to say with the director, casting and choice of theatre I am more than a little excited about this ....
Tickets for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy on sale 08.30 Mon 4 November
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