Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the 1988 film staring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, landed at No. 85 on Bravo’s list of the 100 Funniest Movies. (And it’s a remake—of the equally hilarious 1962 comedy Bedtime Story, which starred Marlon Brando and David Niven.) The 2005 Broadway adaptation, which follows the collusions and competitions of two con men in a small town on the French Riviera, has become a musical-theater sensation, garnering 11 Tony nominations and overwhelming critical acclaim.

The New York Post called the adaptation “superior in every way. One of the liveliest, funniest musicals in years.” The Wall Street Journal declared it “a pluperfect hit, an exemplary piece of comic craftsmanship.” And the Bergen (N.J.) Record named Dirty Rotten Scoundrels “one of the most deliciously funny, smashing entertainments of the last 20 years!”

Now, the rollicking musical adventure has embarked on a national tour, and Schenctady is about to be “taken.” Dirty Rotten Scoundrels opens at Proctors Theatre (432 State St., Schenectady) on Tuesday (Feb. 27) at 8 PM. Tickets range from $40 to $65. For more information, or to make reservations, call the Proctors box office at 346-6204.

The 50th Anniversary Monterey Jazz Festival Tour

The preeminent annual jazz festival celebrates its golden anniversary this year, the party is coming to cities across the country. To celebrate the longstanding tradition of teaming veteran and younger artists, the festival’s organizers have assembled an all-star band consisting of Terence Blanchard (trumpet, pictured), James Moody (saxophone), Benny Green (piano), Nnenna Freelon (vocals), Derrick Hodge (bass) and Kendrick Scott (drums). All of the players have deep roots in the Monterey, Calif.-based festival; some deeper than others: Moody, actually, has been performing there since 1963.

The 50th Anniversary Monterey Jazz Festival Tour makes two stops in the region this week. On Saturday (Feb. 23), the tour sets down at Proctors Theatre (432 State St., Schenectady). Tickets for the 8 PM show range from $20 to $38. To reserve tickets, call the box office at 346-6204.

On Wednesday (Feb. 27), the tour makes its way to the Colonial Theatre (111 South St., Pittsfield, Mass.) for an 8 PM show. Tickets range from $24 to $45. Reserve seats at (413) 997-4444.

Sesame Street Live: Ready for Action

L-E-A-R-N-I-N-G, learning! is always fun with those beloved celebrity muppets of Sesame Street fame. Once again, they’re stepping off the small screen and onto the big stage for Sesame Street Live. In the all-new live show, Ready for Action, when Super Grover loses his superness, Big Bird, Elmo, Zoe, Telly Monster and friends team up to help put the “super” back in the furry blue hero.

Through Sesame Street’s ever-enaging stories and an array of popular songs, including new renditions of old favorites, kids will learn healthy habits for good nutrition, sleep and hygine. The same lessons that get Super Grover “ready for action” again can unlock the healthy hero in everyone.

The cast of Sesame Street Live: Ready for Action will hit the Palace Theatre stage (19 Clinton Ave, Albany) Thursday (Feb. 21) at 7 PM. Tickets are $14-32, and can be purchased by calling the Palace box office at 465-4663.