I went into A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder with the lowest expectations of the three shows I saw on my New York trip. I had heard positive things, but didn’t know much about it. Something Rotten arguably fell short of its expectations, but A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder significantly exceeded them. I thoroughly enjoyed it while watching it and have grown to appreciate it even more since listening to the soundtrack. It’s baffling why a London run hasn’t been confirmed yet, as it perfectly fits the genre The Play That Goes Wrong has revitalized.
A complete farce, the story follows Monty Navarro, the ninth Earl of Highhurst, as he makes his way to becoming the next Earl in a rather unusual way. Love, murder, and general chaos make this show a laugh a minute, with comedic twists around every corner, even in the final number. The audience audibly gasped!
Comedic Genius: Book and Lyrics
Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak’s book and lyrics are the ideal blend of comedic and clever. Memorable lines such as, “To lose one relative one could certainly forgive, but how could you excuse losing two or three or four OR SEVEN,” and “Help me you presumptuous climber” are just a few examples of the show’s wit. I seemed to be the only one who laughed at Sibella’s line, “It’s a bit much for Clapham,” while wearing a corseted dress. But then again, I was probably the only English person in the audience watching a show mocking the English! The score also features some lyrically brilliant numbers including “Lady Hyacinth Abroad,” “That Last One You’d Expect,” and “I’ve Decided to Marry You.” “Poison in my Pocket” is a personal favorite, with its clever layering of three separate harmonies.
Stellar Performances: Monty and the D’Ysquith Family
Bryce Pinkham shone as Monty Navarro, portraying a likeable and charismatic rogue. His little nods to the audience, breaking the fourth wall, were well-written and performed even better by Pinkham. He clearly knew the role inside and out, and his comedic timing was impeccable, particularly in the memoirs scene. On the night I attended, Greg Jackson played the D’Ysquith family and gave a stellar performance. Stepping into one role on short notice is challenging enough, let alone EIGHT! He was fantastic as Henry and Lady Hyacinth, though his vocals were a bit strained in some of the other parts. Kudos to Jackson and the backstage team for those incredibly quick changes!
Scarlett Strallen’s Sibella is both utterly loathable and lovable, and her chemistry with Pinkham is brilliant. Catherine Walker rounded out the main cast as Phoebe, whose vocal control is astounding. The scenes she shares with Strallen were hilarious, even when they don’t know the other is present.
Final Verdict: A Must-See Musical Comedy
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder delivers hilarity, heinous crimes, and exaggerated British accents. This show is a delightful musical experience that blends dark humor with sophisticated wit. It’s a must-see for any fan of musical comedy. The question remains, why aren’t London theatres clamoring for a transfer of this brilliant show?
