Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Review
Edmond Santa Fe High School
By Ashlee Stover

    Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a Broadway musical, with music and lyrics by David Yazbeck and a book by Jeffery Lane; it was based from the 1988 film starring Steve Martin, Michael Caine and directed by Frank Oz. The film is not officially credited as a remake of Bedtime Story, the 1964 comedy film starring David Niven and Marlon Brando, but closely follows the plot.

    Friday night, 3/17/2012, I watched the third production of Santa Fe High School's version of this play. And must I say, it was completely amazing, hilarious, and well put together to be re-versed and appropriate for school. This was one of the funniest productions in theatre I've ever watched through myself. I don't think I'll ever forget this play.

    This was directed by my personal drama teacher Robin Robinson, and the choir director Shermie Potts. The role of Lawrence was taken by Brodey Baumann. Brodey – a sophomore is the State Champion of Oklahoma in Competitive Drama and as a member of Men's Choir. Ashton Poarch – a junior, showed in many of Edmond Santa Fe's debut plays in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, she played as Christine. Grant Sorum, a junior, is Freddy and also showed in many of Santa Fe's productions. Collin McMichael and Marlina Bruner played the cute couple of Andre and Muriel. This entire cast showed remarkable talent in both singing and acting. May I go ahead and give a thanks to the crew who helped so immensely, and never get any recognition.

    You know when you witness something in art that is some beautiful that you get the chills, or even begin to tear up? That's how I felt watching this play. The chorus was simply amazing. I've heard these kids sing, but never like this! Many thanks to Ms. Potts and her indefinite skill and experience with singing and stage directing. Great casting selection. Many roles were played by a similar personality that went well with it.

    I sat in the back right of the auditorium after ushering and welcoming everyone in to enjoy the show. Most of the audience consisted of older couples, so it was very formal and calm. There were a few distracting details I noticed. After coming in for ushering, I closed the entrance doors behind me to go sit down and later somebody opened them again to let in a distracting light from the foyer. Only a minor distraction, but the light to the paint room back stage was left on as well. There was a couple noticeable times with technical difficulties – like the main theatre lights flickering on and then off or mics randomly going out. Just a few small things I could point out personally.

    Some of the original scenes were to inappropriate for school, and had to be changed or cut short, but still making it just as funny. The different sets they had for this play were very unique or very simple. One I remember distinctly – the balcony. It could be turned around completely to make a different scene and also used as part of Lawrence's house. Very creative. Much hard work was put into this. If I remember correctly, they had four or five different sets.

    There was not one thing I didn't enjoy. Everything was very fun, and a night to remember. 5 of 5 stars for this high school production.