Ashtabula Arts Center News

Based on the popular movie by the same name, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” promises to be the comedic hit of the theater season when it opens at Straw Hat Theatre on August 5.

Performances will play for three weekends Friday-Sunday, August 5-7, Friday – Sunday, August 12-14, and Thursday – Saturday, August 18-20. All shows begin at 8 p.m.

The story surrounds the suave and sophisticated Lawrence Jameson, who makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money and small-time crook Freddy Benson, who more humbly swindles ladies by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother's failing health. When these two con men living on the French Riviera meet and decide that their small French town isn’t going to be big enough for the both of them, they strike a most unusual bargain. They agree that the first one to extract $50,000 from the beautiful and very rich heiress Christine Colgate, wins and the other must leave town! A hilarious battle of cons ensues, one that will keep you laughing, humming and guessing to the end!

Advance tickets can be purchased by calling the Ashtabula Arts Center at (440) 964-3396. Those purchasing advance tickets will receive a $2 per ticket off of the regular, box office ticket prices. Advance tickets are $12 patron seating, $10 Adults, $9 Seniors/Students. Walk-ins are welcome to any performance if seating is available. Walk-in tickets are $14 for patron seating, $12 Adults and $11 Seniors/Students.

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is directed by Stephen Rhodes of Conneaut. Book by Jeffrey Lane; Music and Lyrics by David Yazbec; Based on the film “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” written by Dale Launer and Stanley Shapiro & Paul Henning. “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is produced by special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).

The Ashtabula Arts Center is funded in part by the Ohio Arts Council.

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