DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Even Funnier with Jonathan Pryce

Posted: 4/15/06 at 7:11pm

So I went last night to DRS again.

Pryce plays it for stylish laughs, and is very comfortable looking silly. A very different take than Lithgow. Pryce is so comedic that he had Norbert breaking up, and out of character, at least three times throughout the performance. He gives Norbert a run for the comedic money on stage.

Speaking of Norbert, the guy gives one of the best musical comedy performances in the last 25 years. With this performances he leaped into top tier of classic Broadway musical performances. If you haven't seen it, don't waste a moment. If you have seen it, he is even better and funnier than you remember. You owe to yourself to experience him again.

Jbara and Gleason continue to give two styish and funny performances. They can do no wrong. Most definitely the couple we're gonna hate to see break up.

The score remains one the best muscial comedy scores in many a season, and yes, it deserved last year's Tony, in my opinion.

Last night's audience? Terrific and loving every moment.

DIRTY ROTTEN gets even better with repeated viewing.


Udated: Added kudos for Rachel York who does a nice job, and Mylinda Hull who brings an earthy quality to the role of Jolene Oakes which makes it come alive for me, something it never did before. Ms. Hull officially own the role.
Updated On: 4/15/06 at 07:11 PM

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 7:17pm

Pryce brings so much pizazz and spunk to this that Lithgow was lacking and makes it a much more exciting show to sit back and enjoy.

Anyone noticing the extreme amount of chemistry between Butz and Pryce compared to Lithgow and Butz? It's astonishing. The replacement Tony belongs to Pryce!

[Dre2387]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 7:21pm

hell yeah!

[OddExoticCreature]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 8:38pm

I saw it on the 12th and I really don't think I ever stopped laughing. Pryce and Butz are HILARIOUS together. The entire cast, I think, works so well together and holds their own. While Mylinda Hull can't really sing, her Jolene is so great. I found her more memorable than Gettlefinger even though I really liked Gettlefinger's performance. Rachel York's Christine seems sweeter than Sherie's, but I like both of their interpretations. When I saw it Rachel De Benedet was on as Muriel and I LOVED her, more than Joanna.

I don't think anyone has ever made me laugh as much as Norbert can...and that's saying a lot because I laugh at EVERYTHING.

[ohhoney_]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 8:42pm

*sob*
I love it so much. I may be going back to NYC this summer and my friends want to go but I don't know if I could handle it sans Gleason.

[arykahmarye]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 8:50pm

I just saw it last week with Jonathan Pryce, and walked out with stomach cramps from laughter. The man knows how to own a stage and work an audience. I loved every moment of it.

Though, when i saw the show, it seemed as if the two boys (Pryce and Butz) were constantly working to make the other laugh. I think Norbert won that day.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 9:26pm

Show was very good with Lithgow, but GREAT with Pryce !!!

He is hysterically funny, and really plays to the crowd.

SPOILER:


I crack up to myself every time I think of the end scene and his accent.. the way he says "house", and looks to the audience is classic !

[Dre2387]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 9:31pm

i know! *spoilers!* that accent is great. definately better than Lithogw (I love lithgow, but i mean, come one!) Pryce totally deserves the Tony!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 9:42pm

This show has been so underappreciated. I'm so glad people are finally raving about it. I think it gets better and better...which is saying A LOT because I thought it was the best new show of last season!

Everyone is just so good in it--including Jonathan Pryce, who I didn't know could be so comical. The music and lyrics are brilliant. And the book is just very, very funny...even when you know all the punchlines.

Everybody must go to see it...or see it again. We have to do our small part to give this show the run it deserves!

[OOTI2004]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 9:56pm

I think that Pryce is perfect for the part, he has sophistication, but can be hilarious and constantly make even the actors on stage laugh. I never really thought Lithgow was right for this part. I think he is a great comedian, but just something about him isn't right for this part. I think Pryce is amazing, and I loved every minute of the show because you could tell that the actors were having fun on stage.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 9:58pm

Replacement Tony, anyone?

[jsrocks]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 11:15pm

I really can't think of anyone else who could get the Replacement Tony besides Jonathan. I hope he gets it!

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 11:23pm

I thought Pryce was much better than Lithgow, as well.

Rachel York is charming and lovely, but I thought she lacked a bit of SRS's charisma. Mylinda Hull was spectacular as Jolene; much better than Gettelfinger. Butz, Jbara and Gleason were all wonderful, as usual.

Such a splendid show!

[Malice]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 12:11am

This has been the first time for a show that I have actually waited for a lead actor to leave in order to see the replacement. I loved Jonathan Pryce in Miss Saigon, and loved him even more after seeing him in Oliver in London. I have had bad timing karma with this show, the other 2 times I wanted to try for the lottery Norbet Leo Butz was out and I didn't want to bother. Now this coming week that boy better be in the show.

[To The Stage!]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 12:15am

I won the lotto for DRS on wednesday. HYSTERICAL. Jonathan Pryce was great and Norbert is pure genius as usual. I love how Jonathan laughed at Norbert during bits of the show. Ha

[ljay889]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 12:17am

Yay, for Mylinda Hull!

[SirLiir]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 12:54am

The show is really building a bigger buzz now and that is great! I agree Jonathan Pryce should win the Best Replacement Tony hands down.

[Ebonic_Singer]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 1:39am

I went on Wednesday and got Pryce's/Gleason's/York's understudies, but the show was still absolutely amazing and flawless--I definately want to go back before Norbert Leo Butz leaves--he gave one of the best performances I have ever seen.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 1:48am

I visited the show for a third time last weekend and thought Jonathan Pryce was indeed better than John Lithgow. I absolutely adored his performance and was laughing hysterically throughout the entire show. He and Norbert are an amazing pair on stage. Also loved Rachel York and Mylinda Hull. I recommended this show to a coworker (who never goes to the theater) and he and his girlfriend went and LOVED it. I'm so glad this show is still going strong and that audiences are enjoying themselves.

[OddExoticCreature]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 2:25am

ebonic_singer this past Wednesday? Did you go to the matinee? That is really weird.