A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at Spreckels Performing Arts Center

Gallows humor at its best, A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder opens on the big stage at Spreckels Performing Arts Center on Oct. 11. The musical convulsed Broadway in 2014, winning four Tonys, including Best Musical and Best Book. It tells the tale of impoverished Monty, who learns at his dying mothers bedside that, far from being a street urchin, he is ninth in line to be the Earl of Highhurst, with all the wealth and power that entails. Well, thats a lot of people to eliminatebut he will give it his best. And thats just Act One.With book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak, the musical is based on Roy Hornimans novel Israel Rank, which was also the source for the classic film Kind Hearts and Coronets. In the film Alec Guiness played all the doomed members of the privileged D'Ysquith family. Spreckels veteran Tim Setzer will reprise the Guiness role, portraying each of the victims regardless of age or gender.After a warning to the audience that those of you of weaker constitution should leave the theatre, we meet Monty as he writes his memoirs on the eve of his executionmemoirs that come to life with reckless speed and musical effervescence. When we finally return to Montys cell, a few more surprises remain.Michael Ross directs the eleven-member cast, with musical direction by Jim Coleman and choreography by Michaela Snyder. Andrew Smith plays Monty.The perfect prelude to Halloween, Gentlemans Guide struck USA Today as morbidly hilarious, while the New York Times dubbed it among the most inspired and entertaining new musicals.What: A Gentlemans Guide to Love and MurderWhen: October 11-27, 2019Days/Times: Fridays & Saturdays Oct. 11-12, Oct. 18-19, Oct. 25-26 at 7:30 p.m. Sundays Oct. 13, 20 and 27 at 2:00 p.m. Thursday Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.Considerations: Stylized/comic deaths, sexual innuendo Where: Codding Theatre at Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert ParkPrices: General $36, Senior (62+) $34, Student $32, Youth (18 and under) $12 (all prices include a $2 facility fee)Box Office: (707) 588-3400. Hours: Wed.Sat., noon to 5 p.m., and one hour before the show. Online: www.spreckelsonline.com New to Spreckels This Season7:30 p.m. Curtain Times$12 tickets for age 18 and under (all prices include a $2 facility fee) for the entire season