Pre-B'way Scoundrels Extends Again at Old Globe

The pre-Broadway tryout of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has been extended a week for a second time due to box office demand. The show, which was extended through October 31, will now run at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego through November 7.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels centers on two swindlers, crass American Freddy Benson Norbert Leo Butz and suave Brit, Laurence Jameson John Lithgow. After meeting on a train, the pair bet to see who can bilk $50,000 out of an heiress first.

The 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was written by Dale Launer, Stanley Shapiro and Paul Henning. The musical features music and lyrics by The Full Monty's David Yazbek and a book by TV scribe Jeffrey Lane.

The new tuner, directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, also features Sara Gettelfinger, Joanna Gleason, Gregory Jbara and Sherie Rene Scott. Timothy J. Alex, Andrew Asnes, Roxane Barlow, Joe Cassidy, Julie Connors, Rachel deBenedet, Laura Marie Duncan, Sally Mae Dunn, Rick Faugno, Tom Galantich, Jason Gillman, Greg Graham, Amy Heggins, Grasan Kingsberry, Rachelle Rak and Tony Yazbeck comprise the ensemble.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels officially opened in San Diego on September 22 to mixed reviews. In his Variety review of the piece, Joel Hirschhorn wrote: "A world premiere, pre-Broadway tryout, tuner supplies entertaining and occasionally inspired moments. But the show, given its subject, has a lightweight quality. It lacks a tough-enough, diamond-hard edge."

The new musical is scheduled to begin performances at Broadway's Imperial Theatre on January 31 in preparation for a March 3 opening.