Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a musical on Broadway that uses the lyrics and music of David Yazbek, is a book written by Jeffrey Lane. The musical was based and inspired by the 1988 film that shares its name. The first time the musical performed on Broadway was in 2005, although tryouts had been started in 2004 at San Diego.
Since the musical opened at the Imperial Theatre on January 2005, it lived to see 626 performances before closing on September 3, 2006 in Broadway.
The musical focuses on Lawrence Jameson, a con-artist who tricks wealthy women with the aid of his bodyguard. The story involves another swindler named Freddy, who Lawrence takes under his wing. Although previously warned about another con-artist named ìthe Jackal,î Lawrence continues his trickery together with Freddy before both guys get hoodwinked by ìthe Jackal.
The lively and entertaining show has received acclaim from the public, earning numerous Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations. Victories include Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, as well as Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical.