THE HISTORIC NAPA VALLEY OPERA HOUSE is now operating under a new name, debuting earlier this month after extensive renovation as “City Winery,” a restaurant chain based in New York with additional sites in Nashville and Chicago. Napa’s Lucky Penny Productions, in conjunction with 6th Street Playhouse of Santa Rosa, opened “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” to a moderate crowd in the new space Friday.

What once served as a spacious theater lobby for the venue, located on Main Street in downtown Napa, is now a full-service restaurant, so for the time being the second-level theater’s “box office” consists of a small, shared hostess podium in the foyer immediately inside the building’s multiple-door entry. It’s an awkward setup for the narrow space, hopefully just a small kink to be ironed out as the new system is perfected.

Seating in the vastly remodeled theater space is no longer tiered, but instead consists of loosely arranged cocktail tables on the main floor, with more of the same in the balconies. The room has a pleasant ambience despite the auditorium-style space, with candle-lit tables and faux-wood molded chairs. The hard seats aren’t comfortable for long stretches — such as the two-hour duration of a typical show. Also, a trip to the restroom now necessitates a walk through the restaurant dining area.

It is nice to have the table service. Our little party of four enjoyed some tasty snacks and beverages from the café menu, which includes a small selection of entrees, soups, salads and starters in addition to the extensive wine list. Service is available throughout the performance.

In “Scoundrels,” Lucky Penny co-producer Barry Martin commands the stage as lady-killer and con artist Lawrence Jameson. Rob Broadhurst is hilarious as Jameson’s sidekick-wannabe Freddy, and Taylor Bartolucci is powerful as “Soap Queen” Christine Colgate, the idealistic young aristocrat who leads the two men into a no-holds-barred competition for her riches.

The play, based on the book of the same title by Jeffrey Lane, is too risqué for young audiences. Though the initial plot and music have a light-hearted, conservative feel, the audience is eventually made privy to some bawdy bedroom antics. Lawrence and Freddy are out to con wealthy women out of their money, after all, and seduction is central to their art.

Broadhurst is a natural physical comic and plays his uncouth character beautifully. The opposing roles of buffoon Freddy and smooth, seasoned Lawrence (Martin) couldn’t be better cast. Larry Williams also seems made for the part of Andre Thibault, the “real” Frenchman, friend and co-conspirator with Lawrence before Freddy arrives on the scene.

Memorable musical numbers include a sweet rendition of “Like Zis, Like Zat,” sung by Andre (Williams) and Muriel (Kim Williams); “Son of Great Big Stuff” sung by Freddy (Broadhurst) and Christine (Bartolucci); and a spirited “Finale” sung by all.

“Scoundrels” is a fun production. The large cast (17 in all) is a talented bunch, and the performance includes live musical accompaniment. The cast delivers the many funny moments in the story with aplomb, guaranteeing laughs throughout, and the song-and-dance numbers are nimbly executed.

I may be neutral on the new venue based on this first visit, but I give the show a hearty thumbs-up. My recommendation: Check it out!

If You Go
“Scoundrels” continues at City Winery, 1030 Main St., Napa, through May 4. Tickets are $25 to $35 and are available by calling 707-260-1600 or online at citywinery.com/napa.

Elizabeth Warnimont is a freelance writer specializing in the performing arts. She is also a substitute teacher for the Benicia Unified School District.