Opened: November 17, 2013
Book by: Robert L. Freedman
Music by: Steven Lutvak
Lyrics by: Robert L. Freedman & Steven Lutvak
Original Broadway Cast: Jefferson Mays, Bryce Pinkham, Lisa O’Hare, Lauren Worsham, Jane Carr, Joanna Glushak, Eddie Korbich, Jeff Kready, Jennifer Smith, Price Waldman & Catherine Walker
With a wild premise and even crazier performance by the perfect Jefferson Mays, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a show you won’t soon forget.
When Monty Navarro (Bryce Pinkham) finds out he is ninth in line to inherit the earldom of Highurst, he reaches out to the D’Ysquith family (all played by Mays) to take his place in line. Monty shortly devises a plan to murder all those in line before him so he can become earl.
Mays plays all nine members of the D’Ysquith family and creates distinct characters for each. His costume changes are fantastic. He and Pinkahm complement each other well, especially during the song “Poison in My Pocket.”
The trio song “I’ve Decided to Marry You” is perfectly staged and gives Pinkham a great comedic performance.
Final say: Madness from start to finish. ★★★★☆