Laugh-out-loud funny with exceptional performances and flawless comedic timing, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a must-see summer show.
Every year on Vancouver Island, there are a few unmistakable signs that summer has arrived. One of my favourites is opening night at the Chemainus Theatre.
This year was no exception.
If you’ve ever attended one of the theatre’s summer productions, you know exactly what I mean. If you haven’t, consider this your sign to book tickets now.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has arrived at the Chemainus Theatre with a show-stopping bang. It’s witty, clever, laugh-out-loud funny, and superbly cast from start to finish. We’re often impressed by the high calibre of acting, storytelling, and set design at the Chemainus Theatre, but this production truly has it all.
In fact, it may be one of the most perfectly cast shows I’ve seen there.
Based on the 1988 film of the same name, this fast-paced musical follows Lawrence Jameson, a sophisticated con artist who funds his lavish lifestyle by charming and swindling wealthy, single women. Lawrence enjoys a well-practiced routine.
That is, until Freddy, an ambitious and inexperienced rival scammer, arrives on the scene.
The two con men form an uneasy mentor-mentee relationship, but before long, they’re trying to outwit each other in a series of increasingly outrageous schemes.
The stakes get higher, the competition gets fiercer, and the laughs come fast and often.
It’s cheeky, a little saucy (I mean they are dirty rotten scoundrels 🙂 ) and endlessly entertaining as these two dirty rotten scoundrels battle to prove who is the true master of the con.
As audience members, we were immediately drawn into the fun. This musical is smart, witty, and delightfully edgy, with exceptional performances and flawless execution.
The cast’s comedic timing is outstanding, and the energy on stage never lets up.
The show runs all summer at the Chemainus Theatre, but I wouldn’t wait too long to get tickets. Word of mouth is going to spread quickly, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see many performances sell out.
Want to make the evening even more memorable? Add dinner before the show in the Playbill Dining Room. The chef and staff create an impressive feast featuring fresh salads, delicious entrées, and tempting desserts.
The menu changes regularly, and on the Friday we visited, highlights included shrimp flambé and carved roast beef.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and knowing our table was reserved for the entire evening meant we could relax and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re a longtime theatre lover or simply looking for a wonderful summer outing, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels delivers an evening of laughter, charm, and top-notch entertainment.
Don’t miss it.
CAST: Lawrence Jameson: Jeff Madden | Freddy Benson: Kevin McLachlan | Christine Colgate: Synthia Yusuf | Andre Thibault/Ensemble: Raugi Yu | Muriel: Seana-Lee Wood | Jolene/Ensemble: Danica Kobayashi | Ensemble/Dance Captain: Jennifer Lynch | Ensemble: Matt Montgomery | Ensemble: Tia Ferlizza | Ensemble: Stephen Thakkar | Ensemble: Niah Davis | Ensemble: Dustyn Forbes | Swing: Sean Baker | Swing: Marija Danyluk
CREATIVE TEAM: Director: Naomi Costain | Choreographer: Makayla Moore | Musical Director: Heather Burns | Set Designer: Hans Saefkow | Costume Designer: Patricia Reilly | Lighting Designer: Nicole Lamb | Assistant Choreographer: Hailey Christie-Hoyle | Stage Management Team: Kelsey Cain, Yvonne Yip, Lourdess Sumners, Gabrielle Marcolin, Evan Ren, and Jessica Schacht
Images: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 2026, Chemainus Theatre Festival, Photography: Sean Fenzl
Comments