The Gilbert Theater comes from humble beginnings. In 1994, Lynn Pryer started the theater in his backyard and basement in Haymount. The theater is now located at 116 Green St., above Fayetteville’s Children Museum. The entrance is on Bow Street.

“COVID-19 forced us to lessen our capacity,” said Lawrence Carlisle, artistic director. “(The theater) holds 100 people. Since 2020, no more than 50 seats in the house.” Patrons, staff and, sometimes, performers wear masks. Temperature checks are conducted at the door.

The Gilbert is featuring “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels — The Musical” Oct. 1-17. Two con men, a beautiful woman and the elite of the French Riviera collide in this sexy and irreverent farce.

It is based on the 1988 movie by the same name starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine.

In the exotic French Riviera, Lawrence Jameson makes his living by smooth talking rich, single women out of their money. He has been in the trade for many years and has got his technique down to a tee. But then he bumps into Freddy Benson. Freddy takes a humbler, more laid back approach, swindling women with emotional lies about his grandmother's failing health and his own economic struggles.

The two men initially decide to form a double act but their egos soon clash and the French coast isn't big enough for the two of them. To settle their rivalry, they agree on a bet: the first to swindle $50,000 from the latest young heiress in town, Christine Colgate, can stay and the other must leave town. However, is Christine really all she seems? Hilarity and confusion ensue as the two men pull out all the steps to prove they are the best con man in town.

Actors were selected by open auditions. Lawrence is played by Chris Walker, who Carlisle calls a talented singer and actor and comedically well-versed. Freddy is played by Dan Adams. “Dan just blew us out of the water,” Carlisle said. The female lead, Christine, is played by the very funny Megan Barnes. There are about 10 people in the show.

Linda Flynn, assistant artistic director at the Gilbert Theater, is making her debut as director of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” Flynn joined the theater in 2017 as an actor in the show, “Evil Dead the Musical,” and became an employee in February 2020. “I have always had a great passion for theater. In my position I have learned a lot about every aspect of the theater. I get to do every job there is in theater and I enjoy every aspect.”

Having been both actor, and now, director, Flynn explains the difference. “Acting you don’t see everything that goes into a show. You focus on lines and blocking and how you are coming across to your audience. Directing, you focus on everything. Find ways to make the show look good. Everybody looks good and knows where they need to be and what they need to do.”

“The most rewarding feeling directing ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels — The Musical’ is watching my vision come to life with this particular production,” Flynn said. “It is more than I hoped for and it makes me proud.”

Carlisle hopes the audience will have fun at the show. “The goal for all shows is for the audience to have fun and come away thinking that was really funny. Let’s do it again.”

The show runs from Oct.1 to Oct. 17. Shows are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 with some discounts available.

For more information call 910-678-7186 or visit www.Gilberttheater.com and www.facebook.com/gilberttheater.