By Kenneth Jones
07 Jun 2004

The date is ironic. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the new musical comedy about con-men who romance rich women, will begin Broadway previews on Feb. 14, 2005 — Valentine's Day.

A spokesman for the production confirmed the opening is set for March 17, 2005, at a Broadway theatre to be announced. The new musical by Jeffrey Lane (book) and David Yazbek (music and lyrics) will have a test run this fall at San Diego's Old Globe. The Globe artistic director, Jack O'Brien, who won a 2004 Tony Award for staging Henry IV, will helm the new musical. He teams again with his collaborators on The Full Monty: Choreographer Jerry Mitchell and songwriter David Yazbek.

Performances begin at the Old Globe Sept. 15 and continue to Oct. 24, although an extension is expected. Opening in California is set for Sept. 22.

Based on the film of the same name, the new show will (as previously announced) star Tony and Emmy Award winner John Lithgow in the role of Lawrence Jamieson (played by Michael Caine in the movie) and Norbert Leo Butz in the role of Freddie Benson (played by Steve Martin in the picture). Also joining the cast will be Sherie Rene Scott as Janet Colgate and Tony Award-winner Joanna Gleason as Muriel. Sara Gettelfinger will play Jolene, who is sweet on Freddie. The complete cast will be announced in the summer.

O'Brien (The Invention of Love) and Mitchell (Never Gonna Dance, Broadway Bares) also teamed on Imaginary Friends and the Tony Award-winning Hairspray. Lane is known for penning episodes of "Mad About You" for TV. Yazbek was Tony-nommed for the score to The Full Monty.

The production team for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels includes David Rockwell (scenic designer), Gregg Barnes (costume designer), Kenneth Posner (lighting designer), Ted Sperling (music director), Zane Mark (dance music) and Michael Brunner (stage manager).

For more information about tickets to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at The Old Globe, contact the Globe's ticket services office at (619) 23-GLOBE or visit the Globe website at www.TheOldGlobe.org.

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The Old Globe earned the Tony Award for Regional Theatre. The Globe produces a year-round season of 15 plays and musicals on its three stages. Numerous Broadway-bound premieres and revivals, such as Imaginary Friends, The Full Monty, Pride's Crossing and Damn Yankees were developed at the Globe and have gone on to enjoy successful runs in New York and at regional theatres across the country.

Artistic directors are Jack O'Brien and Craig Noel. Executive director is Louis G. Spisto.