PCT Opens 20th Anniversary Season with “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”

March 6, 2025
By Rachel Scofield
Photos by Amanda Tuttle

Pickerington Community Theatre will kick off its 20th Anniversary Season with the musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, running March 6–15 at The Theater at Violet Woods, formerly known as the Wigwam.

Directed by Adam Schroeder, the show follows two rival con artists — one polished and sophisticated, the other chaotic and unpredictable — as they compete for territory, prestige, and the ultimate prize. What unfolds is a whirlwind of schemes, surprises, and show-stopping musical numbers.

“The musical comedy follows two con artists — one polished, one chaotic — as they battle for territory, prestige, and the ultimate prize,” Schroeder said. “What unfolds is a whirlwind of schemes, surprises, and show-stopping musical numbers that will keep audiences laughing from curtain to curtain.”

The stage musical is based on the 1988 film starring Michael Caine, Steve Martin, and Glenne Headly.

“You don’t need to have seen the film to enjoy the production,” Schroeder said. “This show transports audiences to the French Riviera for about two and a half hours of laughter while they try to guess which con man will come out ahead in the end.”

The production was originally scheduled for 2025 but had to be postponed due to renovations at the theater.

“When that happened, we immediately made the switch so it would be the first production in PCT’s 20th Anniversary Season,” Schroeder said.

Schroeder praised the actors, many of whom audiences will recognize from previous PCT shows, along with several talented new faces.

“The cast and crew have been amazing to work with,” he said. “We had a slightly shorter rehearsal period than normal, and everyone really stepped up. This cast bonded very quickly. They’ve been incredibly supportive of each other both on and off stage, and I think that will translate to what audiences see.”

He also highlighted several members of the creative staff.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out my entire production staff and crew. From finding, sourcing, and making props to enhancing the show with sound effects and lights, they’ve all really stepped up their game for this production.”

Set Supervisor Andrew Weibel and Technology Supervisor Todd Bernstein collaborated to design and produce all of the projections audiences will see in the production.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to work with Music Director Sue Laney, Choreographer Robyn Lindsey, and Costumer Coreen Janetzke,” he said. “All three are sought after around central Ohio theater.”

Schroeder credited Assistant Director Amanda Tuttle for “not only keeping me on schedule and on task, but also for taking some of my ideas, saying ‘yes, and,’ and then expanding on them and figuring out how to implement them.”

Meanwhile, the stage crew works behind the scenes to ensure every performance runs smoothly.

“Actors may have eight or nine weeks to learn their lines and choreography,” Schroeder said. “But the stage crew often only has a week or two together before the show opens. They organize the madness backstage and really keep everything rolling.”

PCT wishes to thank several community partners for their support. Rehearsals were made possible thanks to space provided by Epiphany Lutheran Church, while the team at The Theater at Violet Woods has helped accommodate the production and performers.

“Barbie (Weidner) and the entire staff at the Theater at Violet Woods (formerly The Wigwam Event Space) always go above and beyond to make sure that our cast and crew feel welcome, accommodated, and ready to put on the best performances possible,” Schroeder said.

Performances take place Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from March 6–15. Tickets are $21 for adults and $19 for children under 12 and seniors (55+). Tickets are selling quickly.

This production is rated PG-13.

“There is some language and adult situations. We leave it up to each adult audience member to decide if it is right for their younger family members to attend,” Schroeder said.