Local Talent takes lead in Big Noise Theatre's "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"
Big Noise Theatre Company is excited to have David Geinosky back on the Prairie Lakes stage performing the role of Freddy Benson in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. Big Noise audiences would surely remember Geinosky's show-stopping tap dancing as Robert Martin, the bridegroom, in The Drowsy Chaperone (2011). This time, Geinosky plays Freddie Benson—a small time con man who woos ladies from their fortunes—the same part that earned Norbert Leo Butz (now starring in the premiere production of Big Fish in Chicago), a Tony award for Best Actor in a Musical.
David attended Conant High School and grew up performing across the North Shore in many community theater productions. He furthered his training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Most recently he was seen in Porchlight Music Theater's The Gift of the Magi. One of his favorite roles is that of the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, a role he embraced in the 2008 – 2009 national tour of the show. He also traveled and performed internationally as a singer dancer with the Silver Seas Cruise Line. Chicago credits include Man 3 in Rodgers and Hart: A Celebration at Light Opera Works, Joe in Hello Norma Jean with Pride Films and Plays, and Jack Stone in Reefer Madness with Brown Paper Box Theater. Other favorite regional roles include Frankie in Forever Plaid and Ren in Footloose with Bucks County Playhouse, Eddie Ryan in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Reflect Up at Millbrook Playhouse, and Dennis in All Shook Up at the Armory Dinner Theater.
Several years ago, David's hobby of set design blossomed into another major focus in his theatrical resume. David has mastered the art of creating magical settings for scenic productions throughout the area. With a specialization in junior versions of musicals, David began this venture with Wishing Star Theater in Libertyville and has provided memorable sets for such companies as Big Deal Productions in Buffalo Grove, North Shore Theater of Wilmette, Children's Theatre of Wilmette, Highland Park Players, and Big Noise's parent company, Winnetka Theatre.
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 of Northbrook) makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. Freddy Benson (Geinosky) 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.