The Stage

Pryce returns to Broadway for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Published Thursday 1 December 2005 at 12:45 by Judd Hollander

Two-time Tony Award-winner Jonathan Pryce will make his first Broadway appearance in nearly 15 years when he takes over the lead role in the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on January 17.

Based on the 1988 film of the same name starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels tells the story of two con men who ply their trade on the French Riviera. Pryce will step into the role of Lawrence Jameson - the part Caine played on screen. Continuing alongside him will be Norbert Leo Butz, who won the Tony for Best Actor for his performances in the show.

Producer Marty Bell said: “Jonathan Pryce is one of the most talented and versatile leading men on stage and screen. We are thrilled to be welcoming him back to Broadway after almost 15 years. This con is a pro.”

Pryce last trod the boards on Broadway in 1991, when he reprised his Olivier-winning role of The Engineer in Cameron Mackintosh’s Miss Saigon, winning a Tony. Pryce had previously received a Tony for his Broadway debut in Comedians in 1977. He also appeared on Broadway in 1984 in Accidental Death of an Anarchist.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels opened on Broadway on March 3, 2005, went on to win the 2005 Drama League Award for Best Musical and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards. Its book is by Jeffrey Lane, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek. The show is directed by Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.