Review: Figuring out why all the D'Ysquiths are dying in GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE at Dr. Phillips Center

With a title like A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, you could expect a darkly toned show like SWEENEY TODD. Or perhaps something sexy like CHICAGO; or even something historic like ASSASSINS. While murder musicals have been done, you probably haven't seen something quite like this.

Based on a novel by Roy Horniman, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER tells the tale of Monty Navarro and his rise to Earlship. Though he was raised poor, upon his mother's death he learns that he is a relative of the obscenely rich and influential D'Ysquith family. It also turns out he is ninth in line to inherit the earldom and all its riches. The only way to do that of course is to kill off the eight people who precede him.

Told in a tongue-in-cheek fashion, GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE is an unexpectedly entertaining show. The show's lighthearted plot is combined with complex melodies written by Steven Lutvak make it a piece worthy of the 2014 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best/Outstanding Musical.

The music is beautifully written with different rhythms and tempos that enhance the storytelling lyrics. The duets and show-stopping trios are amazing in the moment, but not memorable even hours later. I think this is because of the complexity of the lyrics, this is not an easy show to sing along, but is still audibly pleasing. The plot follows a bell curve of entertainment - a slow start that increases into funny, leading to laugh out loud funny until the story resolves.

Kevin Massey comes direct from performances with Kerry Butler at Epcot's Festival of the Arts to take the lead as Monty. He's unassuming, witty, and quick on his feet. Starting as the poor love struck Monty to the overly rich, overly loved Monty, Massey grows more likeable throughout the show. Though Monty is on stage the entire show, Massey's stamina never waned. His comedic timing was perfect even through the vocally and physically challenging numbers.

As Monty ties the show together, but the true funny comes from the murders. The absurdity is amplified by the juxtaposition of the operatic music. None of the murders are staged in a way that is gory or distasteful. John Rapson plays all eight roles of the D'Ysquith family sometimes in back-to-back scenes. The characters range from a crazy reverend to the esteemed Lord Adalbert. Audience members who didn't read the Playbill before the show whispered "Is that the same guy?" and the answer is yes. It's impressive to watch the character portrayals without Rapson looking out of breath. My most favorite of Rapson's characters were Reverend Lord and Lady Hyacinth because they were so different from the stuffy aristocrats one would assume inhabits the family. The more absurd and slapstick the murder, the funnier the scene was.

Lord Adalbert had some of the best songs in the show from the early "I Don't Understand the Poor" to the tense "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun." Rapson's voice is fantastic and his characters are fantastic. It's mind boggling to think about his quick changes from one character to another all within moments and not missing a beat.

The two leading ladies, Kristen Beth Williams as Sibella Hallward and Kristen Hahn as Phoebe D'Ysquith are pure tour de forces. On one hand you have Sibella who is a nouveau riche and loves Monty, just not enough to marry him. Then you have the sweet Phoebe who loves Monty for who he is despite his upbringing. Both Kristens have gorgeous soprano voices that add to the drama of the show. It's impossible to pick who to love more. Things all come to a head when Phoebe, Sibella, and Monty all end up in the same place. "I've Decided to Marry You" is the showstopping trio that even left the audience out of breath.

The Edwardian costumes are noteworthy, more for the women than the men. Those trumpet style jewel-toned dresses are to die for. The set consists of an on-stage stage complete with rising curtain. It's all very compact and uses the space effectively to tell the story.

This show may not be on your must-see list, but it's far too entertaining to miss this unexpected gem. A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER plays at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts February 7-12. For tickets and more information visit drphillipscenter.org.

Photo Credits: Joan Marcus

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