‘Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’ hits all the marks with song, dance and romance
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
Singing, dancing, incredible choreography and lighting, romance and heartache, a cast that truly inhabits their characters.
Oh, and an endless series of murders.
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is this year’s opening play as the Oregon Cabaret Theatre begins its 40th season. The Tony-winning musical was written by Robert L. Freedman with music by Steven Lutvak and lyrics by Lutvak and Freedman.
The play focuses on Monty Navarro, who learns that he’s an unacknowledged member of the haughty D’Ysquith family. His just-deceased mother, he learns, was disowned for eloping with a musician. To Monty’s surprise, along with learning about his aristocratic ancestry, he’s told that he’s ninth in line for an earldom. An offhand comment suggesting that he would need to murder his eight predecessors sparks an obsession. Along with hoping for a life of privilege, Monty hopes to literally earn the love of his love, Sibella.
It’s a killer performance — in more ways than one — by Cabaret newcomer Cody Gerszewski. He creates a multidimensional Monty through his precise, expressive acting, dancing and often passionate singing.
Yes, murders happen. But “Gentleman’s Guide” finds life — and humor — through its creative staging, evocative lighting, dazzling choreography and its performers. The focus is on Monty, but a strong cast, especially Katie Fay Francis as Sibella and Scott Fuss in a multitude of roles, makes the play multidimensional.
Lively humor
Snippets of humor, often biting, are deliciously frequent. The play opens with a chorus that advises audience members — “those of you of weaker constitution” — to leave the theater. At one of the several funerals of Monty’s victims, one woman bemoans, “I’m tired of wearing black!” When one unhappy couple gets into yet another argument, one recalls their marriage vows and the pledge ‘till death do us part,’ prompting the reply, “That’s what I cling to.”
And, when Monty learns that Sibella is marrying a man with money and social status, Monty laments, “Has it ever occurred to you to marry for love?” Sibella sobbingly replies, “You’re being cruel!”
Directed by Valerie Rachelle, the Cabaret’s artistic director, “Gentleman’s Guide” is enhanced by its exacting staging and choreography. There are many “gee-whiz!” moments. Some are delivered by lighting that speaks unspoken words when Monty ponders his life and that illuminates razzle-dazzle dances that brighten the stage.
Credit goes to the production team, including musical director Sarah Wussow, fight choreographer Tony Carter, scenic designer Joe King, lighting designer Michael Stanfill, assistant director Connor Lomeli, costume designer Virginia Kilkelly, producer Rick Robinson and sound designer CJ Whitaker.
Strong cast of first-timers and Cabaret veterans
Along with Gerszewski, Fuss and Francis, all first-time Cabaret performers, the strong cast includes Cabaret veterans Alysia Beltran, Rigo Jimenez, Dan Olson and Courtney Crawford and newcomers Juliana Wheeler and Marin Alexis.
The songs add to the spectacle. They include Sibella lamenting “I Don’t Know What I’d Do” and Monty pondering, “I Don’t Know What to Think” and singing “Sibella.” There’s also “Poison in My Pocket,” “Better With a Man,” “I Don’t Understand the Poor,” “I’ve Decided to Marry You,” “Stop! Wait! What?!” and the delightfully comic “That Horrible Woman!”
As Rachelle said of directing the show, “This is one of those musicals that is just a wonderful fit for our stage, and we’ve really leaned into the theatricality of the piece in our design. Working on the show, it’s easy to see why this show won the Tony for best musical. The writing is sharp and witty, the music is gorgeous, and there are just so many great comic set pieces.”
If it were a movie, “Gentleman’s Guide” would be rated PG-13. It features adult situations, discussion of murder and comic violence.
“Gentleman’s Guide” will run through Sunday, March 30. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 1 p.m. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday nights. Reservations are required for preshow dinner or brunch. Appetizers, cocktails, beverages, and desserts are available without reservations. Tickets range from $34 to $54. The Cabaret offers a 15% ticket discount for groups of 12 or more for select ticket types and performances. Student rush tickets are $15 and can be purchased 30 minutes before curtain with a valid student ID, subject to availability.
For more information or to purchase tickets call the Oregon Cabaret Theatre box office at 541-488-2902 or visit oregoncabaret.com.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.
