The con story is all pros

Jack O’Brien, the longtime artistic director of San Diego’s Old Globe, has made quite a specialty out of recycling Hollywood films into big-budget stage musicals (“Hairspray,” “The Full Monty”).

Based on a 1988 film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” is another O’Brien-helmed enterprise that, after premiering at the Globe in 2004, has gone on to a successful Broadway run. Now in the early stages of a national tour, “Scoundrels” returns to Southern California for a limited engagement. Those who haven’t had the opportunity to see it yet would be well advised to beat a path to the Pantages Theatre box office. If there were a theatrical Richter scale measuring entertainment value, this show would register a tectonic 10.

The tale, which features a book by Jeffrey Lane and a score by David Yazbek, is set on the French Riviera, where suave con artist Lawrence Jameson (Tom Hewitt) finds rich pickings. Masquerading as a down-on-his-luck prince, Jameson seduces gullible American heiresses, divesting them of their cash along with their lingerie. Into this rarefied world wanders Freddy Benson (Norbert Leo Butz), a crude, lewd American scammer who wants in on Jameson’s “game.”

The two team up, but their collaboration quickly sours. To settle their creative differences, the scoundrels agree on a gentleman’s wager. The first man to successfully con cutie-pie soap heiress Christine Colgate (Laura Marie Duncan) will rule the Riviera. The loser leaves town.

Of course, the big draw among this able cast is the prosaically named Butz, whose turn as the uncouth Freddy has earned him a bouquet of awards, including the Tony. Butz’s much-ballyhooed performance doesn’t disappoint (although one wishes he wouldn’t break character to laugh at himself, a gambit that got obnoxious as far back as “The Carol Burnett Show.”)

Anyone tired of packaged glitz will find Butz’s anarchic turn a real tonic. Call Butz the anti-Broadway baby. Prancing with seemingly unstudied abandon, this human pretzel moves more like a rock star than a musical theater performer, stealing focus in almost every scene -- even in a few where he shouldn’t.

Himself a Tony nominee (“The Rocky Horror Show”), Hewitt must have found it a bit daunting to share the stage with his irrepressible costar. No worries here. With his mellifluous Brit accent and tailored linen suits, Hewitt’s unflappable Jameson provides the perfect contrast to the slobby Freddy. An added plus -- Hewitt happens to be dead sexy, the kind of guy who is absolutely believable as a master seducer. It’s a crucial distinction and a welcome addition to the role.

Gregg Barnes’ colorful costumes, Kenneth Posner’s evocative lighting and David Rockwell’s lavishly scenic sets provide a beautiful backdrop for O’Brien’s smooth staging and a glittering cast.

Duncan is a vocal powerhouse who radiates sweet sincerity -- and then some. Hollis Resnik shines as Jameson’s wealthy conquest Muriel Eubanks, who later finds true love with corrupt police chief Andrew Thibault (appealing Drew McVety). And Jenifer Foote delights as a gun-loving Oklahoma oil heiress -- a latter-day Ado Annie who won’t brook the word “No” from anyone at all.

Ted Sperling’s musical direction is nicely focused and full-bodied, as is the excellent sound design by Acme Sound Partners. Although there are few full-blown dance sequences, Jerry Mitchell’s sprightly choreography is first rate. However, Yazbek’s naughty-clever lyrics and lush music are the biggest delight of this show. Unpretentiously brainy, Yazbek, who also collaborated with O’Brien on “The Full Monty,” brilliantly blends the sexy with the cerebral, a blessedly welcome gift in an era where crassness trumps content on a depressingly regular basis.

*

‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’

Where: Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays

Ends: Aug. 27

Price: $25-$80

Contact: (213) 365-3500

Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes