“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” in its national tour, is a cleverly designed, smartly directed musical romp that benefits from some fine acting talents. Even the best performances, however, can’t overcome a meager story that dies in the second act. (Or was it murder?)
As the momentum dissipates in Act 2, one wonders, if only this had been a 90-minute play with more emphasis on the funny murders and less on the unconvincing love triangle. Perhaps in a more intimate venue?
won the 2014 Tony Award for best musical, and solid laugh lines keep the mood light. But witty sets, stunning wardrobes and a guessing-game of a plot don’t add up to a brilliant show.
The tale of a distant heir to a family fortune who schemes to jump the line of succession to earldom by various means and creative accidents, “Gentleman’s Guide” milks what it can out of a thin premise.
Like standard murder mystery musicals — think “Addams Family” or “Curtains” — outrageous characters take turns making a case in song while the whole enterprise winks at the form itself. It’s all in good fun, and inventive direction occasionally lifts a moment to theater magic. But only one standout creates electricity: John Rapson is a marvel in multiple roles.
Rapson morphs through an insane number of personalities, several of them over-the-top fey, playing various members of the D’Ysquith Family. Helped by clever video backdrops, Rapson brings a slew of characters to life — and death. Singing what might be considered a homosexual hymn, “Better with a Man,” or the rich man’s complaint, “I Don’t Understand the Poor,” or the ominous “Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun,” he is a riot. When Rapson leaves the stage, the air goes out of the production.
Kevin Massey as the straight man Monty Navarro, angling to inherit the title of Earl, keeps the narration running, returning again and again to a writing desk to record his thoughts in a diary.
Monty’s dueling love interests, Kristen Beth Williams as Sibella Hallward and Adrienne Eller as Phoebe D’Ysquith, hit the high notes and manage a farcical, door-slamming trio, “I’ve Decided to Marry You.” But it’s too late.
Director Darko Tresnjak deserves praise for infusing the first half of the production with fast-paced fun, an artistic achievement squandered as the night wears on.
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830, jostrow@denverpost.com or @ostrowdp
“A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER” 3 stars. Murder mystery musical. Based on the novel by Roy Horniman, book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman, music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak. With John Rapson, Kevin Massey, Kristen Beth Williams, Adrienne Eller. Directed by Darko Tresnjak. Through Feb. 28 at the Buell. Tickets start at $30 at 800.641.1222 or online at denvercenter.org.
