Photo by: LAUREN FRASER

Christian Brumme’ stars as Freddy, in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Michael Golino as Lawrence.

"When [we] get on stage and everybody's laughing it's interesting. It's what we want to do. We can't wait to have a full house," said Maddy Chitty, who will be playing the role of Jolene.

Laughter will certainly be in the air Feb. 9-12 with the theatre's annual production at the Performing Arts Center.

"'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' is hilarious. It is one of the funniest shows I've been around," director Lori Carroll said.

The production, which features lavish costumes, lights and scenery created by the award-winning Wando theatre department, will be performed by a cast of more than 40 of East Cooper's most talented actors, singers and dancers.

It will also feature a fully live orchestra made up of members of the nationally recognized Wando Band and eye-popping production numbers from local choreographer Kim Chesley-Breland.

"It's a farce," Christian Brumme said, who plays the role of Freddie Benson.

The musical is based on the popular 1988 film "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" that centers on two con men - suave and sophisticated Lawrence Jameson and small-time crook Benson - who try to out-con each other.

When it becomes apparent that the Riviera isn't big enough for the both of them, they agree on a settlement; the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target, heiress Christine Colgate, wins and the other must leave town.

The comical battle that ensues is pure musical mayhem. "It's pretty, it's fun, it's funny," Carroll said.

"Even though this is a newer show, it is in the style of some of the 'screwball comedy' movies of the 1930s. Lawrence and Freddy are almost modern day versions of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. The music is very reminiscent of Henry Mancini's movie scores, like 'The Pink Panther' and 'Peter Gunn.' It's sophisticated, but still cool and catchy."

The musical contains hilarious and witty songs and well-placed jokes that reach out to an older audience.

"The whole show is really funny. I like that it's kind of modern. I like that [teenagers] will really appreciate it because the lyrics are so funny and all the songs are ridiculous," said Jessi Vickers, who is playing the role of Christine Colgate.

That means no younger brothers or sisters. This musical holds a PG-13 rating. "It is not appropriate for little kids. Do not bring little kids," Carroll said.

The original 2005 Broadway production, with book by Jeffrey Lane and music and lyrics by David Yazbek, was nominated for 11 Tony Awards. The Wando cast will feature senior Michael Golino as Lawrence and senior Christian Brumme as Freddy. Local audiences will remember Brumme as "Ugly," the lead duck in last year's production of "Honk!"

Senior Jessi Vickers plays Christine, and she is joined by seniors Maddy Chitty and Kathy Nickels as Jolene and Muriel, other rich targets of the con games. Junior Christian Schaefer is Andre, Lawrence's trusted assistant.

Stage managers for the show are seniors Katie Coeyman and Kristen Evans. Wando teacher Joshua Hasty is the set designer, with fellow teachers Mary Elizabeth Goodson and Jeffrey Handel directing the music.

Assisting Carroll with directing are Brittany McCrae and Jennifer Hasty. Costume designers are Roberta Guthrie, Kathryn Kinslow and Catherine Lawson.

The show is sponsored by Beachside Real Estate, along with Charleston Steel and Metal; Island Realty; Haines and McNeill, Attorneys at Law; and Robert Reed, CPA.

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" runs Thursday, Feb. 9, through Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., and Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. This show is recommended for ages 10 and up, as some material may not be suitable for young children. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults, and may be purchased Feb. 6 - 8 from 12 - 2 p.m. in the Wando High School Rotunda and from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Wando High School Box Office (east parking lot), on Feb. 9-10 from 12 - 2 p.m. in the Rotunda and from 4 p.m. - curtain time at the box office. The box office will open at 6 p.m. on Feb. 11, and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 12. Cash and checks are accepted; no credit or debit cards are accepted. For additional information, call 843-375-3537 or go online to www.wandohigh.com/musical.