What's Must-See? 2014 Tony Award® for Best Musical- A Gentleman’s Guide To Love & Murder at ATTPAC's Winspear Opera House. Click through for Gadi Elkon's review of the Broadway Musical now playing at Winspear Opera House through August 28th.
"Gentleman’s Guide tells the story of Monty, an heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by—you guessed it—eliminating the eight relatives (all played by one fearless man) who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress, his fiancée and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea." From ATTPAC website.
John Rapson's portrayal of the entire D'Ysquith Family is worth your money alone! Rapson's constant changing elements makes for such a great continuous joke throughout the fully life of the play. You never tire of John's new D'Ysquith family member. Our narrator and lead actor Kevin Massey slowly but entertainingly transforms MONTY NAVARRO into the lovable supposed murderer. He's a wonderful compliment to Rapson's over-the-top bravado. The gents working together are the highlights of the first act completely.
The fluid pace and non-stop laughing riot always is kicked off or closed out by either Massey or Rapson in the glorious first act. All the main murdering throughout the opening act are perfectly thought out. The digital projection that accompanies the moving one-piece stage mantle really helps bring to life the show. Especially the gruesome varying ways of death being captured via the projection elements. Blood, Bees and Blistering Ice are just a few of the killer devices. Witty and wicked way of telling how to kill off a wealthy family.
The second act dives into the love triangle that is at the heart of MONTY's accent in The D'YSQUITH family. Southern belle Kristen Beth Williams and statuesque blond beauty Adrienne Eller fully embody that characters. Kristen's PHOEBE D'YSQUITH is a charming breath of fresh air as the tiny lady jumps into each and every moment on stage. Her adorable factor is only heightened by her stellar voice. Eller's sexy and sultry SIBELLA HALLWARD is such a commanding presence on stage. Whether it's her PINK filled introduction in Act 1 or her every changing Act 2 Eller owns ever slick slide across the stage. She not only holds court as the striking beauty, but her lavish style helps cast her perfectly in the bitchy aristocratic love interest. Massey floats well between the two leading ladies and helps make the yin-yang feel so solid between the duo. The above photo highlights one of the best sequences in the entire production.
Come for the laughs and fully enjoy the tremendous entertaining showcase that is A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder. The production runs through August 28th at the Winspear and it's easily the must see show of the month!
