“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is a musical comedy that took Broadway by storm, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. But what exactly is this critically acclaimed show about? Let’s delve into the plot, the inspiration, and the unique elements that make it so captivating.
The genesis of the show lies in a dark, comedic place. Lyricist and book writer Robert L. Freedman and composer and lyricist Steven Lutvak met in the graduate musical theater writing program at NYU and began their journey with the idea of adapting the film Kind Hearts and Coronets into a musical.
From Film Adaptation to Unique Creation
Steven Lutvak’s inspiration stemmed from watching Kind Hearts and Coronets and realizing its potential as a musical. The film’s twisted take on Edwardian society, with its tale of inheritance and murder, resonated with him. Originally, the plan was to adapt the film directly. However, due to rights issues, they pivoted.
The Inspiration: Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal
The musical is ultimately based on Roy Horniman’s novel, Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal. When challenges arose with the film rights, the team wisely returned to the source material. This proved to be a blessing in disguise. They removed elements solely derived from the film, opening the door for creative freedom and a unique interpretation of the story.
Rewriting the show while avoiding elements from the film allowed them to explore new, wilder choices. While maintaining the core concept of a man eliminating his relatives to inherit a title, the identities and deaths of the D’Ysquith family members were reimagined, leaning into dark humor.
The Plot: Revenge and Inheritance
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” centers around Monty Navarro, a penniless young man in Edwardian England. He discovers he is ninth in line to inherit the earldom of Highhurst. Fuelled by a desire for a better life and spurred on by the rejection of the woman he loves due to his lack of status and wealth, Monty embarks on a murderous quest to eliminate the eight relatives standing between him and the title.
The Alluring Darkness of Morbid Humor
The musical cleverly navigates the delicate balance of making the audience root for a murderer. The key lies in portraying the D’Ysquith family members as utterly loathsome, arrogant, and out of touch with the “little people.” Their ridiculousness and unlikeable personalities allow the audience to enjoy their demise without feeling overly guilty. This makes Monty a sympathetic figure: an underdog denied his rightful place in society, seeking revenge for his mother’s suffering.
The Theatricality: A Play Within a Play
One of the defining features of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is its overt theatricality. A small chorus of actors plays multiple roles. The show utilizes a “toy theater” concept for its set design, complete with a stage within a stage and projections that blend Edwardian sensibilities with a modern aesthetic. This staging emphasizes the farcical nature of the story and enhances the overall comedic effect.
The clever staging by director Darko Tresnjak contributes significantly to the show’s success. Tresnjak’s vision captured the essence of the show, emphasizing its theatricality and humor. He collaborated with set designer Alexander Dodge to create the toy theater concept, which perfectly complements the show’s playful tone.
A Low Comedy in a Fancy Box
Ultimately, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” can be described as low comedy presented in a refined package. The faux classical music, Edwardian setting, and corseted costumes create a veneer of sophistication, while the humor is rooted in classic, laugh-out-loud comedy.
A Lasting Impact
The success of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is a testament to its clever writing, memorable music, and unique theatricality. The creators poured their hearts into the project, crafting a show that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. The enthusiastic audience reactions are a testament to the show’s power to connect with people on a deep level, creating a shared experience of laughter and excitement. The musical’s ability to elicit such strong emotions is a testament to its enduring appeal and its place in Broadway history.
