A Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder

(L-R) Kristen Beth Williams, Kevin Massey and Adrienne Eller. Photo credit: Joan Marcus.

If the Tony Award-winning musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder teaches us anything, it's that killing in the name of social mobility can be a laughing matter when craftily staged and heartily performed.

Set in London in 1909, this high-energy romp follows the cunning Monty Navarro (Kevin Massey) as he knocks off his estranged relatives the D'Ysquiths (seven men and women all played by John Rapson) one by one in the hopes of securing himself an earldom. At the same time he strives to win the hearts of both his married mistress Sibella Hallward (Mary VanArsdel) and his wealthy wife Phoebe D'Ysquith (Adrienne Eller). 

Featuring creative and ever-changing sets, Gentleman's Guide is an entertaining revenge fantasy where the rich get their comeuppance and the poor follow the rich—neither class is spared teasing here. The chemistry between the leads—Massey, VanArsel and Eller—is especially effective in this production and their love triangle stands out as genuine amid all of the wacky social commentary, low humour and physical gags.

The show also boasts a jaunty score with entertaining lyrics by Robert L. Freedman. Audience favourites include "I Don't Understand The Poor," "Why Are All of the D'Ysquiths Dying?" and "I've Decided to Marry You."

Don't miss this delightful slice of musical madness.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder runs until June 26, 2016 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.