‘The Scoundrels’ are coming to Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH – Look out, the Scoundrels are coming, and they are dirty and rotten, but their hilarious, hair-brained con schemes will surely tickle your funny bone. The hit Broadway musical comedy, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” is coming to the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh as part of the PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh series, from Tuesday, Jan. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 28. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” opened on Broadway in March 2005 and continues at the Imperial Theatre. It received rave reviews and garnered 11 Tony Award nominations.
Pittsburgh is part of the National Tour by The Dirty Rotten Producers in association with MGM On Stage. The show is adapted from the popular 1988 film of the same title.
“There are a lot of hysterically funny scenes in the show, and it is a very close interpretation of the film staring Michael Kane and Steve Martin, and the musical selections are excellent,” said Veronica Corpuz, spokesperson for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
David Yazbek is the creator behind the music and lyrics. He is reunited with director, Jack O’Brien, and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell – the creative team behind the wildly popular, “The Full Monty.”
The story is about two con men living on the French Rivera who employ different styles to swindle women out of their money. One is very suave and sophisticated, talking rich ladies out of their money. The other is a small-time crook, who swindles women by playing on their compassion by fabricating sad stories about his grandmother’s failing health.
The pair meets on a train and attempt to work together, but realize the small French town is not big enough for the two of them.
They decide to bet – the first one to swindle $50,000 from a young heiress prevails, and the other must leave town. That is when hilarity begins, with schemes and cons that keep audiences laughing and guessing to the end.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony and Live Nation are presenting the play.
The Benedum Center was the first project for the Cultural Trust after its founding in 1984 and is located in the heart of the Pittsburgh cultural district.
Corpuz, who has been with the Cultural Trust for more than three years, said “The Cultural District encompasses a 14-block area, that previously was known as a red-light district, and over the last two decades has been transformed into a vibrant cultural area.”
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization committed to promotion and development of the downtown cultural district.
“It is successful Broadway shows like Scoundrels, as well as resident performances by the Pittsburgh CLO and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre that enhance the continued growth of the cultural district,” Corpuz said.
“We are fortunate to have a city with a strong arts base, that likes to see new products, and lucky for great philanthropic assistance allowing us to provide quality entertainment,” she added.
At times Corpuz said it is the volume of different arts that make her job challenging, finding available times and venues to have a touring show “set down.”
Corpuz said she hopes that residents in the surrounding counties will visit the thriving cultural district to appreciate the fine arts offered and beautiful renovated facilities that are now available.
Seeing a comedy musical is a great way to beat the January doldrums.
Tickets for the show are on sale, and may be purchased by calling 412-456-6666, online at www.pgharts.org or at the Box Office at Theater Square.
Various ticket prices are available at the box office for the productions.
Group sales for more than 20 tickets may be purchased by calling 412-471-6930.