Review: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER at Denver Center

There are a few places in downtown Denver where you can learn to murder someone, probably. I'd recommend you go with the one where there's singing and dancing. A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder is playing at the Buell Theatre through the end of February. The other options probably aren't quite as pleasant. (Not to be confused with Murder for Two, playing just across the way in the Garner Galleria.)

Based on Roy Horniman's 1907 novel "Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal," the show opens with Monty Navarro (an adorably sinister Kevin Massey) penning his memoir in a diary via jail cell. He's awaiting the verdict of his execution, and if he's charged for murder, he wants to leave something honest behind about who he killed and how...and why. Flashback a couple years to where it all started, when Monty discovers his dead mother is linked to the royal D'Ysquith family, and he's only 8 relatives away from becoming an earl. Thus, he must kill them all and claim his throne. (Male and female, they're all played in a masterful tour de force by John Rapson.) That's the murder part.

The love part brings in wide-eyed Sibella (Kristen Beth Williams), who's been friend-zoning Monty forever. He eventually moves on to his cousin, Phoebe (Adrienne Eller)...because it's totally cool to hook up with a distant cousin in this era. Both ladies have killer pipes. (You know, vocals. They don't kill anyone. I think.) Their talent really shines alongside Monty in the standout number "I've Decided to Marry You."

The collection of murders takes up most of Act 1, and they're brilliantly twisted. Alexander Dodge's gorgeous scenic design plays an irreplaceable role in each one. Linda Cho's costume design was stunning with brilliantly planned color schemes and exceptional detail. Act 2 focuses slightly more on the love story.

Gentleman's Guide won 4 Tony Awards in 2014, including best musical. At first the songs were a bit too wordy and I zoned out, but once the lyrics worked their wittiness, I listened for every syllable. The classic style of Steven Lutvak's score paired with Robert L. Freedman's book and their combined work on lyrics were a fresh departure from the more modern sound typically heard from newer musicals lately. While most of the songs aren't catchy, they fit perfectly with the style of the book, directed with a sharpness from Darko Tresnjek, who also nabbed a Tony for his work.

The entire ensemble was outstanding, tackling multiple roles with ease. The ensemble of what seemed like 20 or more really only consisted of a group closer to 10.

It's rare to catch a musical that can capture a style where it makes its own rules. This one's killer.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder plays the Buell Theatre at the Denver Center for Performing Arts through Feb 28. For tickets, call 303.893.4100 or visit DenverCenter.org. For groups, call 303.446.4820.

Photos by Joan Marcus

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