Review: 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Was Fun for All

As soon as the curtain closed on Millburn High School's Limelight Players production of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" Saturday night, the cast's screams of exhilaration, joy, and relief could be heard from the other side.

As they received their standing ovation, it was obvious they couldn't wait to relieve the excitement and tension that accompanies a musical. These performers, whose short rehearsal period could be conducive to a highly stressful situation, made it look easy. Whether portraying a suave charmer or a ditzy country girl, each cast member of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" enjoyed themselves and provided their audience with an enjoyable experience as a result.

The success of the performance was owed partially to the material presented. "Scoundrels" is a reproduction of a Broadway musical, which was itself based on a popular film. It details the story of two rival swindlers on the French Riviera, Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson, who cheat rich women out of their money by appealing to their kind hearts with fabricated tales of woe. Jameson, portrayed by senior Eric Frank, is coming to terms with the fact that these sly seductions no longer excite him when youthful Benson arrives in town. Benson, portrayed by senior Alex Sugarman, coerces Jameson into mentoring him in the art of trickery. But soon teacher and student realize they both cannot remain in the same area.

They make a bet to con Christine Colgate (junior Lauren Mandel) out of $50,000. If Jameson loses, he must abdicate; if Benson does, he must leave town and continue his craft only in remote, undesirable areas, including Livingston, N.J.

The production was seamless. Difficult accents required of several actor—including Ethan Lipkind as Frenchman "by birth and affectation," Andre Thibault, and Martha Meguerian as Oklahoman Jolene Oakes—were executed well. Senior Teresa Wittleder, who played the part of curious Nebraskan divorcee Mariel Eubanks, impressed the crowd during her rendition of the first non-ensemble number, "What Was a Woman to Do."

Later, several of her female castmates joined her to sing the praises of Jameson, including Melissa Rosenberg as an usherette who unexpectedly appeared among the audience. Many times throughout the show cast members appeared offstage, referenced the fact that pieces of the set were being moved by castmates. They also spoke to members of the show's orchestra, which ably executed the show's jaunty tunes. Audience members felt they were part of the show, especially because most knew at least one castmember.

"I look forward to seeing my friends who are in the show, and seeing how a high school musical compares to the middle school's," said eighth grader Chase Harrison before it began.

Many of the performers in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" are experienced actors and actresses. Some have performed professionally. Others simply love to perform and cite other interests in their biographies, such as swimming, participating in the school's debate team, and, of course, homework.

While the audience was fully aware it was a high school production, the well-made sets, ambient lighting and character-appropriate costumes made it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The Limelight Players' "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" embodied what musical theater is all about: Fun for all.

Michelle Waters is a freshman at Millburn High School.