'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' at Biddeford's City Theater is a laugh fest

City Theater in Biddeford, closes out its 2025-2026 season this summer with the hilarious high energy production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” The book is written by Jeffrey Lane with music and lyrics by David Yazbek.

Linda Sturdivant/ Producer & Director along with Patrick Martin/Music Director and Mariel Roy/Choreographer have created a gem with this production.  Sturdivant has cast the finest talents to create this flawless production. She is a master at her craft.  Sean Farrelly’s clever flexible set design enhanced by Karl Carrigan’s projections and Curran Grant’s scenic painting add a lot to a superb seamless show. Applause to stage manager Greg Brackett and his great stage crew. Costumes by Janice Toomey are fantastic - even those for the stage crew.

No sooner do Maestro Martin and his very talented pit band begin the overture, the ensemble enters singing and cavorting around the stage. Roy’s lively choreography is perfectly performed by this stellar cast. The audience is immediately swept into the story.

The first scoundrel is Caleb Lacey/ Lawrence Jameson. Lacy was destined to play this role. Whether brilliant, debonair, delightful or sneaky this award-winning actor can switch accents and personalities without missing a beat. Lacy’s voice shines and soars throughout. Two outstanding examples are “Ruffhousin’ Mit Shuffhausen” and “Love Sneaks In”. He is the consummate triple threat talent and a much-loved City Theater regular.

The second unscrupulous scoundrel is the “second to none “Joel Crowley/ Freddy Benson. He’s a knockout song and dance man with perfect comedic timing.  Crowley steals the show as the rookie imposter. Crowley has the pipes, and the acting chops, truly a multifaceted talent. He is always “on” and delivers the goods. He captivates the audience. “Great Big Stuff” and “Love is My Legs” were this reviewer’s favorites. 

Another fabulous performance is delivered by the outstanding Coleen Katana/Christine Colgate. This mega-talented versatile performer is utterly adorable as “the Soap Queen” with her spot-on naive persona. This professional star dazzles as a dancer, impresses as a singer, and masterfully immerses

herself into her role. This gal can sing! Her duet with Crowley “Nothing is Too Wonderful to be True” is simply the best. She too, is a much loved City Theater regular.

These three leads work together like a dream. The connection and interaction among them is wonderful. NO bit is left unturned!

Margen Soliman/Murial Eubanks is perfection as the first “ripe for the picking” woman. Sean St. Louis Farrelly/ Andre Thibault is terrific as the accommodating crooked police chief. A standout performance is given by Madeline Downey/Jolene Oakes as she drawls her way through a raucous Oklahoma. Each of these three supporting actors deserve a standing ovation for their vocals, portrayals, and flawless performances.

The ensemble flushes out this fabulous frolic. With their beautiful voices, delightful dance moves, numerous fast costume changes and featured minor characters they too are perfectly cast. Kudos and applause to: Sofia Andrade, Brian Daly, Adam Gallant, Curran Grant, Brian Harris, Lizzie Hobbs, Landon Jacobson-Theriault, Lynn McKellar, Bella Mok, Ashley Shevenell and Hannah Stetson.

Do not miss this engaging laugh fest. This one is a winner and you mustn’t lose out! The show runs from July 17 to Aug. 2, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m. Sundays 2 p.m. To buy tickets, citytheater.org/tickets or call 207- 282-0849.