Review: Brilliant GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER Rocks Ahmanson

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder/based on a novel by Roy Horniman/book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman/music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak/choreography by Peggy Hickey/directed by Darko Tresnjak/Ahmanson Theatre/through May 1

Winner of 4 Tony Awards in 2014, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is a devilishly clever musical sendup of the British aristocracy circa 1909. Production-wise it's a class act all the way, and for its adult audiences, it's a delicious odyssey of. nonstop laughter. Now at the Ahmanson through May 1, the infectiously broad satire will have you on the edge of your seat throughout its two and a half hours. Skillfully executed by director Darko Tresnjak and his awe-inspiring cast, it's a surefire knock 'em dead hit.

It's rare when the first act of a show goes by so fast, you cannot believe it's time for intermission. Tresnjak's pacing of Gentleman's Guide is akin to that of a locomotive. Actors play on a small stage tucked into a larger one as well as within the larger space. It's the story of Monty Navarro (Kevin Massey), imprisoned for murder. As he sits stage left writing his confession, it's really his diary or gentleman's guide. The action flashes back to the beginning when he finds out from Miss Shingle (Mary VanArsdel) that his recently deceased mother was related to the Earl of D'Ysquith, putting Monty in line for the coveted title of Earl. Most of the action plays out on the small theatrical stage and actors like Massey come down to the mainstage to comment to the audience or transition to another scene; then it's back up to the small stage, in fairly constant motion. There are no lags here. Plotwise, what stands in Monty's way are eight other candidates from the D'Ysquith family who are ahead of him on the list to replace the Earl. All of these candidates, both male and female, are played by John Rapson, who must change costume, accent and demeanor with the flick of an eyelash. And it becomes Monty's game to murder off every one of them who stand in his way for fame and fortune. Monty has a love Sibella (Kristin Beth Williams) who has another proposal of marriage in her pocket. They string each other along, even when he meets Phoebe D'Ysquith (Adrienne Eller), with whom he has an immediate attraction...for her, it's all-out love, and she proposes to him. Monty is on his way to the heart of the D'Ysquiths. He succeeds in making most of the murders appear like accidents, and at the play's semi-happy ending he is somehow acquitted, his case thrown out due to circumstantial evidence.

The greatest feats of humor may be tiny but they produce thunderous laughs, aided by some wonderful background projections. Reverend Lord Ezekial D'Ysquith (Rapson) leads Monty up a tower in the church and at the very top, he falls to his death... Picture it! We see his image landing against the screen with a huge red circle of blood surrounding him. It's an amazing trick of artistry that leaves one gasping and applauding. Another relative Henry D'Ysquith (also Rapson; remember he plays 8 roles!) is a bee keeper and a simple run back and forth across the tiny stage pursued by a supposed swarm of bees, which leads to his death, provokes gales of laughter. These short visuals a la Monty Python or Mel Brooks add 150% to the comedic proceedings.

Musicals do not always have great scores, but Gentleman's Guide's tunes by Steven Lutvak snd lyrics by Lutvak and Robert L.Freedman are upbeat and have fast staccato rhythms much like the songs of Gilbert and Sullivan, which is a perfect match for the rapid fire pace and satirical style of the book. Yes, the music and book blend together beautifully. "I Don't Understand the Poor" is a disarmingly funny tune where Lord Albert D'Ysquith cannot and will not bend to the lower class. Another treat is "Better with a Man" where Henry expresses latent homosexual desires for Monty.

The ensemble are magnificent triple threat performers who sing, dance - with fast and furious steps by choreographer Peggy Hickey - and act to the max. Rapson essaying all of the D'Ysquith family is nothing short of awesome. Within seconds of a previous scene he hits his marks and has it completely together. Massey is a wonderful foil for his moves. It's a skilled duel and entertaining match of wits. Both Williams, tall and gorgeous as Sibella and Eller, petite and pretty as Phoebe compliment each other sublimely, and again Massey plays off of each with just the right amount of gentlemanly deceit. The scene where he is keeping a date with both, without the other one knowing (pictured at top) is brilliantly executed. VanArsdel is a delight as Miss Shingle, and the rest of the cast work with a clockwork proficiency. Linda Cho's period costumes are beautiful to look at, and Alexander Dodge's set design lends the perfect theatricality. Aaron Rhyne's projection design is top notch.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is big, bold, over.the.top fun, which is without a doubt a resounding commercial hit. It is adored by audiences wherever it plays. Its split-second precision as in the old Gilbert and Sullivan musical takeoffs brings sheer joy. It is a true sensual treat. Don't miss it!

www.centertheatregroup.org

(photo credit: Joan Marcus)