That�s one explanation for the extremely small but enthusiastic audience at the opening Friday night of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" by JeDeMi Productions at the Decatur Civic Center Theater.

Those who took the chance endured a show a bit rough around the edges but filled with lively music, comical performances and great promise of becoming a sleeper hit - and that�s no con.

Jerry Johnson is priceless as Freddy, an American who feels so out of his element on the French Riviera that he attaches himself to a native who�s been charming tourists out of their money for years. A master of physical comedy, Johnson also makes his character�s trademark song, "Great Big Stuff," one of the best in the show.

Showcasing his antics is Mike Redlinger, the director of the production who takes on the added challenge of playing Lawrence - Freddy�s mentor and the show�s straight man - and succeeds.

Adding to the fun are three "marks" superbly played by Marie Jagger-Taylor, a favorite at the Little Theatre-On the Square in Sullivan, and JeDeMi veterans Kathy Fergin and Julie Morse. Steve Schepper also does an excellent job portraying Lawrence�s other sidekick, a slightly crooked but loveable chief of police.

Much of the humor in "Scoundrels" is naughty and comes from the clever lyrics by composer David Yazbek. Unfortunately, much of that was lost Friday night because of microphone problems. Yet smooth scene changes and Yazbek�s catchy tunes, performed by a capable orchestra led by Beth Creighton, keep everything bouncing along.

With the musical playing three weekends, its cast and crew have ample time to polish their rough cut into a real gem.

tchurchill@herald-review.com 421-7978

If you go

WHAT: JeDeMi Productions presents �Dirty Rotten Scoundrels�

WHEN: 2 p.m. today and Sunday, Oct. 4; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 2-3 and 9-10

WHERE: Decatur Civic Center Theatre

RUNNING TIME: 2½ hours including 15-minute intermission

PRINCIPAL CAST: Jerry Johnson (Freddy), Mike Redlinger (Lawrence), Marie Jagger-Taylor (Christine); Steve Schepper (Andre), Kathy Fergin (Muriel) and Julie Morse (Jolene)

TICKETS: $17 at the civic center box office, 422-6161