DANVILLE — Veteran members of the Danville Light Opera are especially looking forward to their spring production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” crediting its humorous script as well as the accomplished director and cast.

The Tony Award-winning musical is based on the 1998 screenplay of the same name featuring Steve Martin and Michael Caine. It will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on May 6 and 7, and at 2 p.m. on May 8 at the Danville Area Community College Bremer Auditorium. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance begins.

Directed by Julia Mega Sullivan, with music directed by Belinda Smith, the cast of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” includes both veteran performers and new faces on the DLO stage. Susie Willard and Jeanne Dunne are the co-producers.

“This show is playful; it’s naughty, but not nasty,” Sullivan said. “It’s a delight to work with all these actors, and I know the audience will be impressed by what we’ve created together.”

Kathleen Spain-Swiersz, who plays Muriel — a well-off, middle-aged divorcee — is returning to the local stage after five years. Her last stint on stage was in DLO’s “Chicago.” She first performed with the DLO in 1974.

“This show is funny, crazy and ridiculous,” she said, “and we have a top-notch director in Julia. She not only demonstrates what she’s looking for, she also uses analogies that make the characters come alive.

“‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ is one show not to miss,” she added. “I’d call it a knockout punch to the funny bone.”

Spain-Swiersz is a daughter of Mary Lou Spain, a well-known member of the Danville community and an active member of the DLO for many years.

Stephanie Keller’s role in the ensemble marks her 20th show with the DLO. During the years she has taken on numerous roles, both on stage and behind the scenes.

“I really enjoy working with Julia as the director,” Keller said. “She has a lot of trust in her cast, which makes a big difference in our performances. We have players driving in from Champaign and Indiana just to be part of this show,” she added.

Music director Smith said the plot of the show is extremely funny, and the music — which includes both jazz and swing — is really enjoyable.

“Julia is a great director who is wonderful to work with,” Smith said, “and she has a great vision for this show. We also have a great cast and some very good singers.”

Cast members include Chris Dunn as Lawrence; Matt Hester as Freddy; Marah Sotelo as Christine; David Zych as Andre; Suzy Smalley as Jolene; and Kathleen Spain-Swiersz as Muriel.

The featured vocal ensemble includes Mary Anne Cecil, Chelsea Collier, Kane Groppi, Brad Smith, Rick Welchans and Stephanie Keller.

Dancers in the show are Charlie Daugherty, Caleb Finley, Sammy Smalley and Gregory Smith.

The plot of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” features the capers of a couple of fraudsters: Lawrence, a cultured and suave gentleman who cons rich ladies out of their money, and Freddy, a small-time American thief.

The pair quickly realizes that their tiny French town isn’t big enough for them both, so they set up a challenge. The first to steal $50,000 from a young heiress — Christine, the “American Soap Queen”— will stay in town, and the loser must leave.

The story unfolds as Freddy and Lawrence try to get everything they want, from poker with Al Roker to mink track suits.

TICKET INFORMATION

"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. May 6 and 7 and 2 p.m. May 8 in Bremer Theater at Danville Area Community College. Danville Light Opera season members can make reservations 6-8 p.m. at the DLO box office in the Village Mall, or call 431-1660.

They also can mail in a reservation form from the April newsletter.

Box office hours for the general public are 2-4 p.m. Sunday and 6-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tickets also are available at First Savings Bank, 6 W. Williams St.  

Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for students.

For information about DLO, visit itswebsite at http://www.danvillelightopera.com.