Northbrook resident takes lead in Big Noise Theatre's production of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"
Big Noise Theatre Company is excited to have David Whitlock back on the Prairie Lakes stage performing the role of Lawrence Jameson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. David is a familiar talent to the company’s audiences having appeared in many recent productions. His love of theatre has become quite the family affair!
David Whitlock’s involvement in music and theatre was nurtured through Wescott Elementary School, Maple Jr. High, and Glenbrook North. He then attended Northwestern University. After several years without performing, David returned to the stage in 2007 with his son Brooks, in Center Stage of Lake Forest’s production of Mame. Big Noise Theatre was thrilled to have the two of them play father and son in its 2008 production of Over the Tavern. David has been seen on the Big Noise stage for many other productions, appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar, Leader of the Pack, How to Succeed in Business…., Sunday in the Park with George, All Shook Up, and On Golden Pond. He also has worked with Light Opera Works and Metropolis Theater. Daughter Hannah joined him in a 2010 Highland Park Players’ production of Annie. Brooks and Hannah have been active in the Village Presbyterian Church’s music program. Brooks, a freshman at Glenbrook North, has performed in school productions and with Light Opera Works, Metropolis Theater, The Marriott Theatre and Steppenwolf. Hannah, a seventh grader at Northbrook Junior High has performed at Light Opera Works, Porchlight Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre and Paramount Theater. According to David, none of these endeavors would be possible without the love and support of his wife and Brooks and Hannah’s mother, Alison Whitlock.
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is directed and choreographed by Zachary L. Gray, with musical direction by Robert Deason. Alex McCrary is the associate director. Performances will be held at the Prairie Lakes Theatre from April 26-May 12, 2013. Written by Jeffrey Lane, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek, the show was nominated in all major categories at the 2005 Tony Awards.
Based on the 1988 film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, the musical comedy centers on two con men living on the French Riviera. Lawrence Jameson (David Whitlock) makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. Freddy Benson (David Geinosky, Elk Grove Village) more humbly swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories. After meeting on a train, the men agree on a settlement: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target, heiress Christine Colgate (Kristine Burdi Stickney – Berwyn) wins, and the other must leave town.
The Big Noise cast also features Kathleen Gibson (Chicago) as Muriel, Patrick Stengle (Chicago) as Andre and Carrie Weis (Schaumburg) as Jolene with Emilia Benassi (Naperville), Isaac Loomer (Chicago), Garrett Lutz (Chicago), Kelly Maryanski (Mt. Prospect), Amanda Nianick (Chicago), Taylor Okey (Lombard), Rebecca Parvin (Arlington Heights), Peter Rasey (Chicago) and Brent Walker (Chicago).
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm (except Saturday, April 27th). The Prairie Lakes Theatre is located at 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors/students, and can be ordered by calling 847-604-0275 or online at www.bignoise.org.