A failure to recall details of the movie enhanced my enjoyment of this musical about con men enjoying the Riviera courtesy of rich women. Lawrence (smooth John Lithgow), aided by local official Andre (cosmopolitan, handsome Gregory Jbara), fleece the bored rich, like romance-starved Muriel (smart-talking Joanna Gleason). On a train where small-time hustler Freddy (dizzying, quick-quipping Norbert Leo Butz) meets Lawrence, they make a huge bet that whoever clips the next rich pigeon also gets the territory.
"Here I Am," the poor little rich girl Christine (cute Sherie Rene Scott) sings with characteristic excitement. But Christine has surprises in store, and Lawrence soon finds "Love Sneaks In." It's one of only a few slightly memorable songs. The most, in fact, is accompanied by the best, most vigorous dance: "Oklahoma?" The question mark is well placed, as an almost fleeced Jolene (rootin'-tootin' Sarah Gettelfinger) aims - yippee! - to take Lawrence back home.
Gleason/Muriel's vulnerable "What Was a Woman to Do" is just the opposite but nice. I wished (as she actually admits on stage) she had more to do, and I thought Gregory Jbara was sexier than Lithgow. They make a good couple.
The big star, though, turns out to be Butz, keeping all eyes on his outrageous burlesquing. Perhaps the only way this musical betters the movie is its movement, with its clever use of circles in choreography, blocking, settings, stage machinery. Why did I feel, though, as if the show had been produced by sons of Bialystock and Bloom?
