Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Act One

The scene is set in a lavish casino in the French Riviera. Several women are seeking a prince and, out of the well-dressed crowd, Lawrence Jameson appears with his French assistant, Andre. He is the supposed ‘prince’ as the two men have set up a new scam to alleviate the boredom of these wealthy women, while pilfering their cash (“Give Them What They Want”). One woman in particular--Muriel Eubanks--is completely taken in by Lawrence’s deception and willingly hands over her expensive jewelry.

Following his success in the casino, Lawrence boards a train to work on his next victim. Andre warns him that there are rumors of another con artist working on their patch, known as the ‘Jackal’. Although Lawrence dismisses the rumors, he soon bumps into Freddy Benson. He observes Freddy’s humble, emotional swindling technique as he extracts $20 from the woman opposite him on the train.

Back at the casino, Muriel reflects on her encounter with the prince and her need for desire and