Review: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER a Stylish, Witty Comic Musical Romp

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER is a 2014 musical comedy, with a book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak. This winner of four Tonys, including Best Musical, is based on the 1907 novel "Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal" by Roy Horniman. The novel was also the source for the 1949 British film Kind Hearts and Coronets. The film and musical are both examples of black comedy and the musical also spoofs the antiquated musical form known as operetta. This frenetic farce has a marvelous score that recalls the best verbal gymnastics of Gilbert & Sullivan and Stephen Sondheim.

The musical focuses on Monty Navarro (Blake Price), who is the black sheep of the D'Ysquith family (all of which are played by James Taylor Odom). When Monty finds out he is the ninth in line to inherit a dukedom and the D'Ysquith family fortune, he decides to eliminate all the other heirs who are standing in his way. Since that means he has to do away with eight people to get to the top of the line, he has his work cut out for him. Can Monty slay his way to the top? And if he gets away with it, will the new Earl choose his childhood sweetheart, Sibella (Colleen McLaughlin), or his fiancée, cousin Phoebe (Erin McIntyre)?

The show is brilliantly theatrical, featuring Alexander Dodge's clever, miniature stage setting (which is part old London playhouse and part old toy theater) and deliciously stylized direction and choreography by Peggy Hickey, based on the original direction by Darko Tresnjak. The style is a combination of melodramatic flourish and British panto which takes a cue from the original book by always keeping the audience in on the joke. This way, Monty is more of an Everyman figure, and his quest to eliminate the decidedly weird and snobbish D'Ysquith family seems merely the most sensible action to take. The dapper and charming Blake Price, as Monty, never leaves the stage, and becomes our narrator and guide in this comically frantic familial purging. The proceedings are greatly aided by the clever and visually stunning video projections of Aaron Rhyne and the sumptuous lighting design of Philip S. Rosenberg. Linda Cho's costumes are the wonderful frosting on this theatrical dessert.

The musical direction of Josh Cullen, combined with the sound design of Dan Moses Schreier, gets a marvelously rich and clear sound from this extremely versatile and talented ten member company. There isn't a weak member in this whole troupe, however, the standout performances are Blake Price, as Monty, who delivers the beautiful love song "Sibella", Kristen Kane as Miss Shingle, Colleen McLaughlin and Erin McIntyre as Sibella and Phoebe and the chameleon-like James Taylor Odom in nine roles, including all the members of the D'Ysquith clan. However, the true star is Hickey's manic and baroque staging, which delivers a giant box of theatrical lunacy full of decadent joys.

Two comic highlights of the production are "I've Decided to Marry You," which is a brilliantly executed farcical routine in which doors keep Monty's two loves from meeting at an inopportune moment and Henry D'Ysquith and Monty's duet, "Better With a Man," a rousing ode that reveals a bit more information than the character intended.

While there is a moral in this madcap musical, there's never any sermonizing, as should always be the case with good black humor. A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER is a grand evening of wit and style that is perfectly executed in this fine touring production. A joyfully dark and funny evening of theatre featuring a marvelously talented cast, most of whom are on their first tour, and they all look like they are having the time of their lives.

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman, music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak.

Running Time: Two Hours and Twenty Minutes including intermission.

Notice: Bass Concert Hall has a no reentry policy so it is not possible to exit the building and cone back inside. Also, purses are subject to search and you may be asked to empty your pockets before entry.

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, produced by Texas Performing Arts, is playing at Bass Concert Hall (2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX, 78705).

Performances are at Bass Concert Hall from March 20-25, 2018, Tuesday - Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are available at BroadwayinAustin.com, texasperformingarts.org, the Bass Concert Hall ticket office, all Texas Box Office Outlets, by phone at (512) 477-6060. For groups of 10 or more, call (877) 275-3804 or email Austin.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com
Ticket prices start at $30.00

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