YHS Set To Perform Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

By Andrew Atwal
andrew.atwal@yankton.net

The upcoming Yankton High School (YHS) musical is sure to bring lots of laughs to audience members.

This year’s YHS spring musical is based off the late-1980’s comedy, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” that featured Steve Martin and Michael Caine.

“Scoundrels” first ran as a show on Broadway in 2005, while also having several tours across the United States. The show closed on Broadway in September 2006, after a total of 626 performances.

The play follows two con men in the South of France, only one of whom is established. He makes women fall in love with him, and gets their money, then sends them packing.

“A young con man from America comes into the picture and the veteran decides to take him under his wing,” said musical director Keith Goeden. “The two end up having a competition to see who is the best of the bunch.”

He added the competition involves both men trying to seduce a young woman in order to win her affections.

“That bet really ends up being the plot of the whole play,” Goeden said. “They’re competing to win her affections, and she goes back and forth on both of them.”

He said the reason he chose this musical was because he was intrigued by it when he saw it on Broadway about a decade ago.

“At that time, I thought it was a cute and fun play,” Goeden said. “Anytime I pick a show, I try to have the type of show that matches up with the kids we have here as best as it possibly can.”

Another reason he decided on this musical was because YHS has done two fairly small musicals the last two years. He decided he wanted to try to have a bigger show again.

Goeden said part of the reason why bigger musicals aren’t usually selected is because of scheduling conflicts that arise.

“The musical is bigger this year in terms of the number of kids we have involved. Last year, we had about 16 kids in the cast; this year we have around 40,” he said. “We try to get more kids involved, which is great, but it causes headaches sometimes. When kids miss practices, at a certain point they need to choose what they want to do. A lot of kids want to do everything, and sometimes they don’t get that choice.”

Goeden said this show also features more than 200 pages of music and a lot of material, a longer script, and the length of the play is increased compared to previous musicals performed at YHS. The bigger production also involves around 70 kids, including those working backstage.

He added that kids have been “working like heck” to get ready for the upcoming shows, set for April 18-20, 22 at 7 p.m. at the Summit Center theater.

“Over the Easter weekend, we put in long days and are now only down to the last rehearsals,” Goeden said. “We’ve been racheting things up. We know our time is limited and I think we’re getting there. That said, we still have a lot of hard work we need to put in before we’re show-ready.”

Sarah Santos, who plays Christine in the show, said she loves the dancing and singing in this musical.

“I first did a musical at YHS as a freshman, and loved it and have been doing plays ever since,” she said. “I love meeting new people, and the cast members really become a family. I love to show my stuff on stage and I think this will be my favorite musical I’ve been a part of.”

Goeden said when he is recruiting kids for shows, he just tells them to give it a shot.

“Most people that end up becoming involved in the theater end up not just liking it, but loving it,” he said. “It’s just that initial step of trying it. I tell them that they don’t necessarily have to be on stage, they can work other jobs backstage.”

The finishing touches are currently being put on the production, Goeden said.

“We’ve been having a lot of hectic last several rehearsals,” he said. “We try to attack certain things way before, but as you get closer, desperation forces you to take things more seriously and to work harder. Three weeks ago, things were more laid back — now, kids know the time is getting short, we will get a lot done between now and opening night.”

Goeden said this play is very funny and is a chance for community members to check out the talent that YHS has. He added that it’s a “PG” show, as well.

“Everyone has to make the call on their own,” he said. “I wouldn’t have any problem showing my nieces and friends’ kids the musical. I don’t think it’s bad at all, and we cleaned up some of the naughty stuff. There is still some kissing in the show, though.”

Goeden said people who think they might not like theater should give “Scoundrels” a chance.

“It’s really hilarious,” he said. “People say, ‘I don’t like theater’ Well, they should give it a shot. They might be surprised and should come out to see the kids’ talents we have here.”

Cast List

Lawrence — Paden Schmidt
Freddy — Jase Likness
Andre — Matt Watt
Christine — Sarah Santos
Muriel — Lexi Fokken
Jolene — Tierney Scoblic
Lenore — Alexa Berg
Sophia — Gabrielle Swensen
Croupier — Devin Clark
Conducter — Jacob Bies
Waiter — Garner Brandt
Renee — Bailey Franzen
Gerard — Cade Newland
Usherette — Maddy Logue
Hotel Manger — Alex Rehurek
Sailors — Kellen Soulek, Devin Clark, Tom Kellen, Mitch Riibe
Porter — Derek Gravholt
Cop — Cole Modregger
Nikos — Adam Spencer
Accordian Player — Cody Geary
Chorus: Kevin White, Colby Benson, Jack Tramp, Tyler Stoll, Evan Schade, Kourtney Erickson, Alanna Binder, Cayla Slattery, Jeryka Goble, Rachel Orton, Gabby Slowey, Grace Adam, Kisha Jensen, Jenna DeBoar, Haylee Worm, Shane Wright, Mitch Riibe, Jackie Pajl, Bailey Franzen, Kelsey Butler, Susanna Kinsley, Jessica Popovich

You can follow Andrew Atwal on Twitter at twitter.com/andrewatwal