'Scoundrels' brings director back to home state

For Curt Olds, the chance to come to the Village to direct in the Bigfork Summer Playhouse is a welcome return to his home state.

Olds, who refers to Butte as his hometown, was originally an actor at the playhouse 20 years ago. He has since moved to New York City, but has returned regularly since 2004 to direct playhouse shows, including this season's "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' opening Saturday, June 5. The musical is based on the 1988 film featuring the story of two competing con artists. The movie starred Steve Martin and Michael Caine and was inspired by the film "Bedtime Stories." The Broadway version debuted in 2005, and picked up 11 Tony Award nominations, including "Best Musical." This production has a PG-13 rating.

"It's a great story — con men in the French Riviera, one high brow, one low brow, trying to bilk a woman out of $50,000," Olds said.

During the rest of the year, Olds splits his time between musical theatre and opera in New York City.

His credits include the original German production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "CATS" and Broadway's "Riverdance."

Although he has been involved with some uniquely big city opportunities, he still enjoys coming back to Montana.

Olds said this year's cast for the playhouse features a new crop of talented actors. This is the first play of the season with the full cast.

"Every three or four years it cycles," he said. "We are in a new cycle of talent with some old faces."

"Forbidden Broadway" opened in May, featuring a cast of four in the parody revue of Broadway shows. That production continues to run through June 19.

All shows start at 8 p.m. Saturday's show will be followed by a reception with cast and crew.

"These are formidable works," Olds said of "Scoundrels' and the playhouse's next show, "Fiddler on the Roof," which is rehearsing at the same time. "They are big musicals with a lot of detail."

"Fiddler on the Roof" will open Tuesday, June 8. Read more about "Fiddler" in next week's Bigfork Eagle.