“Jonathan Goad has played a conman before, namely as Harold Hill in Stratford’s The Music Man in 2008. Here as Lawrence Jameson he tries on a the very different persona of the smooth, elegant British-accented rogue. He pulls this off superbly with spot-on comic timing and precisely enunciated diseur delivery of Yazbek’s faux Noël Coward songs as in “Give Them What They Want” and does his best Rex Harrison imitation for the Lerner-and-Loewe-like “Love Sneaks In”. When Lawrence takes on the disguise of Viennese Dr. Shuffhausen, Goad resists the temptation to overdo the German accent and finds comedy in how the doctor acts rather than how he speaks…

Tracey Flye’s nimble direction, Stephanie Graham’s elegant choreography, Lorenzo Savoini’s sumptuous sets (except, of course, for the dungeon scene) and Sue LePage’s wittily conceived costumes all work together to make this soufflé of a musical the treat it is.”

“Tobin is absolutely stupendous and deliciously vulgar as somewhat of an idiot, dressed to delight us all in witty, wonderful costumes by Sue LePage (Stratford’s Romeo and Juliet) with his somewhat sorta witty songs that shine his performed silliness outward. He’s a tall drink of tasty water with a whole heap of talent squeezed in, taking over the stage with his “Great Big Stuff” delivery. It’s impossible to look away when he flies across the stage as he tries, quite successfully, to force Lawrence into taking him under his classy wing to teach him the treacherous tricks of the trade….

There’s nothing all that subtle or deep in this con artist battle of deception and leg-whipping hilarity. Nor is the combative corruption of con artists in competition. It’s as old as a grift in time, but as delivered by the Stratford Festival, the formula feels as fresh as a Mediterranean sea breeze.”

“Director Tracy Flye has created a fast-paced show that moves quickly from laugh to laugh, taking full advantage of her very talented cast. She also breaks the fourth wall, acknowledging the audience with a few sly inside jokes: a Stratford Festival usher comes up to the front and entertains, or a character goes and sits in a box with surprised patrons…

Derek Kwan, as the corrupt police inspector Andre Thibault. offers lots of laughs, sometimes with just a look, while Sara-Jeanne Hosie is hilarious as the ditsy — but wealthy — Muriel…

A word of warning – in certain parts, the Scoundrels can be a little vulgar. If you are easily offended, leave your prude’s hat at home and let your hair down.”

“Flye’s cast simply flies – Goad and Tobin work in terrific synchronicity, and Dickson, charming as ever, doesn’t broadcast the musical’s cheeky ending before it arrives. Sara-Jeanne Hosie’s Muriel, too, is funny and swank…

Tobin, meanwhile, saddled with the show’s most demanding song-and-dance numbers, gleams in the role of Freddy – he’s reliably tuneful and relentlessly witty. Michele Shuster is another standout in the impactful side role of Jolene Oakes – it’s a shame we don’t see her much after the first act…

Musically, the production is less consistent – opening night sound issues aside, Dickson’s belted high notes are occasionally a hair flat. Goad, too, often approximates songs’ notes rather than landing squarely on them.”

“Jonathan Goad and Liam Tobin are a formidable duo as Lawrence and Freddy. The are charming, funny, they play off each other wonderfully, and they sing it well. Goad glides across the stage charming everyone he comes into contact with, trying on multiple comedic accents as he does it. Tobin’s hysterical and high energy performance as Freddy absolutely steals the show. It is unquestionable that this is his star turn at the Stratford…

something that delights me about this show is that I frequently observed audience members ranging in age from 20 to 80 doubled over with laughter at the same scenes. Everyone’s comedic timing is superb and even when you see a twist coming, the lead-up is delectably hilarious…for all ages. Festival.”

“…this new revival, featuring a knockout cast of performers and directed with flair by Tracey Flye, makes for a satisfying evening of entertainment…

Flye’s production, featuring colourful costumes by Sue LePage and an elegant, seaside set by Lorenzo Savoini, zips along with ease, while Stephanie Graham’s choreography — particularly for the ensemble numbers — fully activates the Avon Theatre’s large stage.

[Shakura] Dickson, only in her second season with the Festival, makes a strong impression as the seemingly innocent Christine. Her belt is thrilling, if occasionally overamplified by Ranil Sonnadara’s sound designs. Derek Kwan is also a standout as Lawrence’s sidekick, along with Sara-Jeanne Hosie as Muriel Eubanks, a woman more than willing to pull out her chequebook for Lawrence.”

“[Liam] Tobin plays the younger of the two male scammers, Freddy Benson, with clownish exuberance. His high-energy style might seem a bit over the top if it didn’t work so well as a counterbalance to [Jonathan] Goad’s gentlemanly restraint…

[Shakura] Dickson more than holds her own in this trio, using charm and wit to navigate the seedy economy of scams by pretending to be clueless. Her solo “I’m Here” showcases a strong stage presence and hints at the reveal to come. She’s not the fool they think she is…

In the end, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels delivers exactly what it promises: A good time in questionable company.”

“The music and dance scenes are exhilarating and a strong supporting cast adds a hilarious sub plot with the awkward courtship, turned steamy hook-ups, of Muriel Eubanks (Sara-Jeanne Hosie) and Andre Thibault (Derek Kwan).”