Review: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER at The Weekend Theater in Little Rock

Murder with a touch of manners have arrived in delightfully dapper fashion at The Weekend Theater, where A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder—running through May 3—proves that sometimes climbing the social ladder requires a little… creative problem solving. Under the direction of David Weatherly, this production leans fully into the musical’s razor-sharp wit and farcical charm, delivering an evening that is as clever as it is wickedly entertaining.

The Tony Award-winning musical, with book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music by Steven Lutvak, follows Monty Navarro, a young man who discovers he is eighth in line to inherit an earldom. Determined to claim his place among the aristocracy, he devises a plan to eliminate each unsuspecting heir standing in his way. Along the journey, Monty must juggle ambition, romance, and the increasingly complicated task of getting away with murder. The result is a fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek romp filled with charming melodies and deliciously dark humor.

I've been wanting to watch this one for awhile, so I was delighted to see that my friends at The Weekend was putting it on. From the moment the show begins, Weatherly establishes a brisk comedic rhythm that keeps the audience leaning forward, eager for the next outrageous twist. The intimate setting of The Weekend Theater works beautifully for this piece, allowing the humor to land with precision and the performers to fully connect with the audience. It’s a style of storytelling that thrives on timing, and this cast clearly understands the assignment.

This production also serves as a thrilling introduction to several performers making their Weekend Theater debut, led by Caleb Purtle as Monty Navarro. Taking on such a demanding role for his first outing with the company is no small feat, but Purtle rises to the occasion with impressive ease. He brings a polished charm to Monty that makes his morally questionable decisions oddly endearing, guiding the audience through each twist with confidence and wit. Vocally, he handles the show’s intricate score with clarity, while his natural comedic instincts keep you smiling through the entire production.

And then there is Liam MacQueen, who takes on the towering task of portraying the entire D’Ysquith family—and absolutely runs away with it. Each character he embodies is wildly distinct, both physically and vocally, and the rapid-fire transformations are nothing short of dazzling. My favorite song for this show that I repeat like I'm aristocratic is “I Don’t Understand the Poor,” a number he delivers with such perfectly exaggerated pomp and privilege that it becomes an instant standout. I love that he fully commits to each outrageous persona, and I was laughing so hard at his performance that I had tears streaming down my face.

Balancing Monty’s ambitious pursuits are the dueling leading ladies, Lisa Edge as Sibella Hallward and Gabrielle Neafsey as Phoebe D’Ysquith, who create a deliciously entertaining love triangle at the heart of the story. Edge brings a bold, flirtatious energy to Sibella, leaning into her character’s charm and self-serving nature with confidence and sparkle. In contrast, Neafsey’s Phoebe is sweet, earnest, and surprisingly witty, offering a grounded warmth that makes her just as compelling. Watching Monty navigate between these two women is an absolute treat, as both actresses carve out distinct, memorable performances that keep the audience guessing at every turn. And yes, while the idea of a cousin vying for Monty’s affections might raise a modern eyebrow or two, the show leans into its 1909 London setting with a wink, embracing the period’s social norms as part of the humor rather than shying away from it.

Adding another layer of heart to the story is Darby Lytle as Miss Shingle, who delivers a performance filled with warmth and quiet wisdom. With a constant gleam in her eye and a knowing look that suggests she’s always one step ahead, Lytle creates a character who feels both observant and deeply caring. Her motherly presence toward Monty adds an emotional grounding to the otherwise mischievous tale, and her interactions with him provide some of the show’s most sincere and touching moments.

Musically, this production sparkles with standout numbers that are as fun to watch as they are to hear, thanks in large part to the work of Music Director Anne Weaver. Under her direction, the score feels full of personality, allowing the cast to confidently navigate Lutvak’s intricate melodies and rapid-fire lyrics. “Better With a Man,” led by Phoebe, is a charming and witty highlight that showcases Gabrielle Neafsey’s delightful stage presence. “I’ve Decided to Marry You” is a fast-paced comedic gem, filled with clever staging and impeccable timing that had the audience laughing throughout. And of course, “The Last One You’d Expect” provides one of the evening’s most memorable moments, allowing Liam MacQueen to fully lean into his outrageous character work in a way that is simply unforgettable.

As always, there is just something magical about live musicians at a musical, and this production delivers that joy beautifully. Anne Weaver not only leads the music direction but anchors the orchestra on piano, joined by John Michael Douglas on trumpet, Kinley Beard on clarinet, Micah Bowling on bassoon, and Greg Warner on drums. This ensemble brings a rich, lively sound that elevates the entire production, adding depth and energy that simply can’t be replicated. Being able to hear these instruments live, right alongside the performers, makes the experience feel even more immersive and special.

This musical is one of my favorites, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this cast bring it to life. For more information and tickets, visit their website at https://weekendtheater.org/.

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