Looking to encourage talent from every which way, the CRIGHTON PLAYERS open their season at downtown Conroe’s Owen Theatre Friday, August 13, with musical comedy “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”
This time, fresh faced students, who just earned performance credentials from SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY, or are about to, join seasoned favorites.
“Our choreographer HEATHER SANDERS just graduated from the SHSU musical theater program,” said play director TRAVIS BRYANT, “and two of the leads, ADDISON ROUSH and HILARY BRYANT will finish this year.”
MICHAEL HAYES, JEFF BALDWIN and KIMBERLY BRYANT are among the regulars leading the charge into this field that is booby trapped with laughter, dancing, and clever music.
“Patrons will be amazed at the incredible professionalism and artistry of this cast,” said director Bryant, whose regular job entails year around duties with the TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL near Plantersville.
Bryant continued with background information about this comedy, based on a popular 1988 film, which in turn came from a Tony winning Broadway musical. That film starred Steve Martin and Michael Caine.
“That script actually is based on an earlier movie, ‘Bedtime Story,’ which premiered in 1964, starring David Niven, Marlon Brandon and Shirley Jones,” Travis said. “It’s really grounded in the Buddy Movies of Martin and Lewis; Hope and Crosby.”
Travis thinks this one very well could have been subtitled “The Road to the French Riviera” because much of the action transpires there.
An array of songs in the styles of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Henry Mancini further enhance the full evening of entertainment, Travis added. There’s also a nod to classic country/western, and Celine Dion style rock ballads.
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” has not been staged in this area since the 2006 original tour played in Houston.
The plot revolves around a duo of competing confidence men who meet on a train. An inexperienced crook (Roush) encounters a master con man like whom he aspires to become by working with that consummate con expert, Lawrence, played by Baldwin.
The town on the French Riviera is too small to accommodate both, so they make an exit pact—the first to extract $50,000 from a naive target (HILARY BRYANT) wins, and the loser must go far away.
Three women provide romantic involvement, adventure and possible targets. Widow Muriel (Kimberly Bryant) is looking for love and does possess a bit of cash. Oklahoman Jolene (ANDREA ARENALES, making an encore appearance after “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”) is on the prowl for a man. Christine (Hilary Bryant) is tender hearted, but not the brightest lipstick in the cosmetic case.
Another player who adds complications to the best laid plans is CHRIS JOHNSON, a New York transplant with multiple credits in many theatrical areas, appearing for the third time with CP.
This season the Players added Thursday evening shows that will replace previous Sunday matinees on closing dates. For “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” this will be at 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, with no matinee on Sunday, September 4. However, 2 p.m. matinees are scheduled on August 22 & 29.
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” runs weekends August 13—September 4. Call (936) 539-4090 to reserve early or for season tickets. Consider joining First Nighters, as well, where parties follow every opening performance with abundant refreshments from FAY BETH BECKMAN, JUDITH BAKER and others. First Nighters’ parties also provide ebullient camaraderie between cast members and CP season ticket holders.
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