A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
Book and Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman
Music and Lyrics by Steven Lutvak
My Thoughts on A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder or…Death becomes them
I believe this is the fourth time I have seen this delightful musical with its clever story and operetta like score and it never fails to amuse me. This production led by Director Owen Beans, Assistant Director and Choreographer Caitlin Martelle and Music Director Molly Robinson in the intimate Firehouse Theatre brings joy, laughter. great voices, and lots of murderous fun to this Tony Award winning musical.
Monty Navarro, a middle-class Englishman, learns that he is an aristocrat and one of the noble D’Ysquith family and eighth in line to become the Earl of Highhurst. Monty, in love with the vain, social climbing Sibella, embarks upon a mission to kill off each member of the D’Ysquith family in any way he can and along the way to his goal also falls in love with the virtuous and sophisticated Phoebe D’Ysquith. Will Monty achieve his goal? Which of his loves will win him in the end? Those questions will be answered in Director Bean’s fast paced, brutally funny Gentleman’s Guide.
The cast is outstanding across the board and has one of the best ensembles ever. The ensemble here assumes multiple roles, sometimes featured roles, throughout the musical, as well as singing and dancing. Music Director Robinson has them sounding so wonderful that I found myself looking forward to the group numbers. They also handle Choreographer Caitlin Martelle’s moves like the pros they are. The ensemble includes Lucas Haupert, Abigail Head, Melania McDonald, Trenton Mosty, Jessica Peterson, and Thomas Schnaible.
Jill Baker appears as Miss Shingle, Monty’s late mother’s friend and the person who convinces him that he is a D’Ysquith. I like the almost Dickensian vibe Baker gives the slightly demented character, and she delivers “You’re a D’Ysquith” like a true comic crone.
Lauren Urso Gray is Sibella Hallward, Monty’s narcissistic, sexy love who is desperate to advance herself socially, even if it means marrying a man she does not love and seeing Monty on the side. Gray goes full out with Sibella and makes the flirtatious character a comic force. Her glorious soprano voice lends itself to the challenging, often operatic, score and it is a thrill to hear her sing.
Phoebe D’Ysquith is played by Ashley Tone, an actor I have admired since seeing her in the title role of Alice by Heart, earlier this year. Tone, also blessed with a lovely voice, makes Phoebe worthy competition for Sibella. Tone’s Phoebe is demure and aristocratic, and her quiet charm is irresistible to Monty and the audience.
Like the character he plays, Cameron Vargas as Monty Navarro has charisma to spare. His Monty is an energetic, totally charming comic serial killer. Vargas has a voice that is made for musical theater, a winning demeanor, and agile moves on stage. I can’t imagine that Monty has ever been played any better than Vargas does here. There might as well be a light over Vargas’ head that says “STAR.”
In the plum role of the entire D’Ysquith family is Micah B. Hardt who plays the role with, well. aplomb. Hardt is quite the comic presence, switching ages and even gender. He reminded me of the classic comedians who could crack you up doing pratfalls, impressions, or just walking across the room. Hardt’s energy never flags in this marathon of a role and his ability to inhabit each character so distinctly is impressive.
The versatile set by Logan Untenwoldt and Owen Beans is the interior of a British manor and through the use of furnishings becomes other locations. Beans also designed the lighting and the sound is by Hank Baldree. Dayna Dutton’s costumes have everyone looking properly Edwardian.
Director Beans and company have delivered a pre-holiday gift that is great entertainment and one of the best staged musicals I have seen at the Firehouse Theatre. In fact, you would have to be a deceased D’Ysquith not to enjoy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.
