Review: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER at the Playhouse on Rodney Square

(Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus)

Winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Director of a Musical, Best Book and Best Costume Design, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER is an absolutely brilliant musical theater treat. The Playhouse on Rodney Square should be extremely proud to have the show play Wilmington before, or more correctly, instead of, Philadelphia, as a stop on its first national tour.

The production's website summarizes the plot thusly: GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, an heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by - you guessed it - eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she's after more than just love), his fiancée (she's his cousin but who's keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars? Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance...and be done in time for tea.

GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE is a sleek, whimsical operetta that any fan of Gilbert & Sullivan or Rogers & Hammerstein or even Mozart (think Cosi Fan Tutti) or Strauss (think Die Fledermaus) will enjoy. Set in Edwardian London, the look may evoke visions of the past but the music is delightfully fresh. With clever songs including "I Don't Understand the Poor," "Poison in My Pocket," "That Horrible Woman," and "I've Decided to Marry You," audiences will leave the theater humming at least one song, if not several. Not only do the songs hit the mark but the physical comedy performed within songs (choreography by Peggy Hickey) increases the overall enjoyment.

The cast is stellar. Witnessing John Rapson transform into all nine D'Ysquith family members, male and female, with the requisite multiple quick-changes is reason enough to see the show. There are very few performers who can effectively manage such a feat. That isn't to say Mr. Rapson outshines his cohorts. Not at all. Kevin Massey as Monty Navarro never gives way to being anything other than a sweet, innocent, humble (and the last one you'd expect) gentleman, even while carrying out a murder spree against his newly found family and cavorting about with Sibella Hallward (Kristen Beth Williams), a married woman, and wooing his fiancée Phoebe D'Ysquith (Kristen Hahn) with his supple, melodic crooning. The two ladies are a force of their own. Ms. Hahn's shimmering, coloratura-esque vocals pair exquisitely against the alluring soprano lines of Ms. Williams. Each talented ensemble member is a joy.

The colorful proscenium within a proscenium set design of Alexander Dodge almost encompasses the entirety of The Playhouse stage. (I am shocked that such a large production fit.) The use of projections effectively supports the overall design. I was more than happy to learn that local musicians were employed as orchestra members. Under the baton of Lawrence Goldberg, the music by Steven Lutvak maintained its jaunty, crisp structure. Although, at times, it seemed to overpower the singers. Lush and inventive costumes by Linda Cho dazzle the eye and keep Mr. Rapson from suffering any late entrances.

GENTLEMAN's GUIDE shouldn't be passed on simply because the creators aren't musical theater household names (yet) or the title is unfamiliar. It is a production of frivolity and sheer enjoyment appropriate for young audience members (over 7 years of age) given the lack of gore, nudity or foul language.

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER
Book and Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman
Music and Lyrics by Steven Lutvak
Directed by Darko Tresnjak
The Playhouse on Rodney Square
1007 N. Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 888-0200
www.ThePlayhouseDe.org
Runs Nov 15 through Nov 20