High jinks and hilarity at high school musical

The Park Rapids and Menahga high school drama departments wrapped up their joint musical production, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” on Saturday.

Based on the popular 1988 MGM film, the musical version was written in 2004 and was nominated for a staggering 11 Tony Awards.

In the local production, Lawrence Jameson (portrayed by Avery Wolff) makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money.

Freddy Benson (played by Kaelen Emerson) swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother's failing health.

The two con artists attempt to work together in the small French Riviera town. They agree on a bet: the first one to extract $50,000 from heiress Christine Colgate (portrayed by Batiste Huss), wins and the other must leave town. Little do they know, they are about to be bamboozled by the Jackal.

Abby Jasmer served as drama director for “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” April Hodge was the music director.

The live orchestra comprised April Hodge on keyboard, Bill Hodge on percussion, Donna Neumann on woodwind instruments, and Samara Kicker and Deane Johnson on reed instruments.

Technical directors were Jamie Jokela and Tori Harju, with Kelsie Undem as the show’s choreographer.

1/3: In the opening scene, Lawrence Jameson (Avery Wolff) pretends to be a prince in distress, convincing wealthy women to give him their jewelry. He sings "Give Them What They Want" with the ensemble.

2/3: Christine Colgate (played by Batiste Huss) sings sweetly by moonlight, "Nothing is Too Wonderful to be True."

3/3: Impressed by Jameson's ill-gotten gains, Freddy Benson (Kaelen Emerson) sings "Great Big Stuff" and begs Jameson to teach him the ropes.