Winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, an heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by—you guessed it—eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way.
All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she’s after more than just love), his fiancée (she’s his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars!
Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a nonstop rollercoaster of laughs,” said Sean Yves Lessard, who plays Monty. “You start with this kind of beautifully naive man and you watch him transform into a mass murderer.”
“The fact that I play all the characters that die kind of helps the audience go ‘oh, we’re gonna have fun with this,'” said Danny Gardner. “My amazing costar is so good at just being the straight man and serving up the laugh.”
Kate Lopresi plays Sibella, a childhood friend of Monty’s with whom she develops a mutual affection. “It’s so cleverly staged and written and you get such a great audience reaction.”
Katherine McLaughlin sees her character Phoebe as a little bit naive, but not stupid or vapid as she may come across at times. “It’s fun to be able to bring a new show to people,” she said.
“I liken it to a combination between Monty Python, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Jekyll and Hyde almost, so put those three together and you kind of get Gentleman’s Guide,” Gardner added.
The farce is directed by Trey Compton, with sets by Nate Bertone, costumes by Matthew Solomon and band led by James Olmstead. View the video above for featured interviews with the cast.
A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder is playing at the John W. Engeman Theater from through April 28.
—Reporting by Waldo Cabrera
