Creating Wheaton Drama's 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'

In preparation for the show's May 25 opening night, this weekend was another busy one for Wheaton Drama's musical comedy, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels".

Musical director David Belew led an orchestra rehearsal on Saturday, May 19 at Wheaton Drama's Playhouse 111. The "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" orchestra includes Linda Lager, Diane Hansen, Deb Morris, Stan Louiseau, Joe Shearin, Bob Plagemman, Larry Tomko, Debra Johnson, Gary Patterson, John Summers, and Jim Schluchter.

Steven Merkel worked with David and the cast and crew on sound, assisted by co-stage manager Bruce Ebner. Amy Johnson (props and set dec), Ben Aylesworth (master carpenter), Melissa Heischberg (costumes), Trish Ambrosio (hair and make-up) and many others spent time during the day Saturday to coordinate elements of their departments and finalize details for the show. Ticket chair Rebecca Poole stopped by to provide snacks for cast and crew, an appreciated touch during a busy day.

Saturday evening, scenic artist R.J. Ogren continued painting the set, assisted by Ben Aylesworth, production manager Jo-Ann Ledger, Steven Merkel, and John Murray.

On Sunday, cast and crew rehearsed technical elements while Visiting Artist Mary Badger worked with lighting designer Jim Van de Velde and director Steve Schroeder. Assistant director Amy Royle provided additional support to the cast and Harmony Barry reviewed choreography. Cast and crew also enjoyed a potluck dinner and then had photos taken by Ken Beach.

Additional production staff not noted above are: Sindy Bower (front of house); Traci A. Cidlik (poster design); Craig Gustafson (Starboard design); Kate Quan (programme); Penny Salvesen (set design).

The "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" cast is: Angela Bitner of South Elgin as Lenore/Ensemble; Suzanne Compton of Naperville as Ensemble; Brianne DeFrang of Naperville as Usherette/Ensemble; Zach Gibson of Lisle as Freddy Benson; Michelle Ho of Westmont as Sophia/Ensemble; Charmaine Jones of Glen Ellyn as Ensemble; Ken Kaden of Naperville as Andre Thibault; Sara Malloy of Winfield as Christine Colgate; Jennifer Myers of Glen Ellyn as Jolene Oakes; Rob Reinalda of Mount Prospect as Lawrence Jameson; Teresa Reinalda of Mount Prospect as Ensemble; Julie Rodgers-Baker of Wheaton as Renee/Ensemble; Pam Turlow of Elmhurst as Muriel Eubanks.

It was a productive weekend with good work done by cast and crew. The dedication of all involved moved the show closer to opening night!

Performances of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" are May 25 through June 17. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $18 for Thursdays; $21 for Fridays-Sundays.

Based on the movie, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" has book by Jeffrey Lane and music and lyrics by David Yazbek. Music Theatre International licenses the show. "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" contains some comedic adult language and themes.

Wheaton Drama's 2012-2013 season is set to include "The Heiress", "The Sound of Music", "Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure", "Full Circle", and "Into the Woods". Additional special productions include "Hansel and Gretel" and "Broadway Ballot" this summer, with "It's A Wonderful Life" radio show for Christmas.

At play since 1931, Wheaton Drama's productions are staged at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton. Visit http://www.wheatondrama.org for more information and show tickets.