A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder – A Killer Comedy with an Unforgettable Cast

Murder has never been so fun. When A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder opened on Broadway in 2013, it charmed audiences with its witty music hall style and outrageous story of an ambitious nobody knocking off his aristocratic relatives. The original Broadway cast delivered a masterclass in musical comedy, turning a dark tale of serial murder into “entertainment most merry.” This Tony Award‑winning show (2014’s Best Musical) remains a critical favorite and continues to thrive long after Broadway, delighting theatergoers across the country in regional and community productions.

Standout Performances from the Original Broadway Cast

The original Broadway cast in a stunning ensemble performance, showcasing the versatility and comic genius that defined the production.

At the heart of Gentleman’s Guide’s success is its remarkable original cast, led by the shape-shifting brilliance of Jefferson Mays. Mays played eight (yes, eight!) different members of the ill-fated D’Ysquith family – each fallen victim to distant heir Monty’s murderous scheming. His performance, full of “dizzyingly quick changes” and “hilarious aplomb,” created moments that critics called “unforgettable” and earned him a Tony nomination along with Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards.

Opposite Mays’s antics, Bryce Pinkham anchored the show as Monty Navarro, the lovable serial killer whose blend of dastardly deeds and infectious charm captivated audiences. His sly asides, physical comedy, and “crystalline tenor” ensured he was as magnetic as he was mischievous – a performance that also earned him a Tony nod. Rounding out the principal cast, Lauren Worsham and Lisa O’Hare dazzled as Phoebe and Sibella, respectively, making the love-triangle number “I’ve Decided to Marry You” a true showstopper.

Tony Triumphs and Critical Acclaim

At the 68th Tony Awards, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder was the surprise juggernaut of 2014, garnering 10 nominations and winning four awards – including the coveted Best Musical. The production also earned accolades for:

• Best Book of a Musical (Robert L. Freedman) for its razor-sharp, witty script.
• Best Direction of a Musical (Darko Tresnjak) for its clever staging and impeccable pacing.
• Best Costume Design (Linda Cho) for the lavish Edwardian wardrobes and quick-change brilliance.

With rave reviews from The New York Times, USA Today, and Variety – praising its melody-rich score and “fizzily witty turns of phrase” – the musical struck a chord as a refreshing throwback in modern theater.

Thriving in Regional and Community Productions

The true measure of a show’s legacy is its endurance beyond Broadway. Following its closing in 2016, Gentleman’s Guide embarked on national tours and became a beloved favorite among regional and community theaters. Its production-friendly design, universal humor, and dynamic roles make it a joy to stage – from major regional theaters to local playhouses.

In recent years, productions have popped up everywhere: TheaterWorks in Phoenix delivered a captivating rendition in late 2023, while the Arvada Center in Denver brought a fresh staging in March 2024. Whether in a bustling city or a small town, audiences continue to be enchanted by Monty Navarro’s mischievous charm and the show’s delightful blend of sophistication and silliness.

In Conclusion

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder has achieved a rare trifecta: critical success, enduring audience love, and lasting popularity. The original Broadway cast – led by the chameleonic Jefferson Mays and the magnetic Bryce Pinkham – set a high bar with performances that continue to inspire and delight. Their stellar work, combined with the show’s witty script and memorable score, has solidified its status as a modern classic.

If you missed its Broadway run, fear not – this gentleman’s guide to murder is always ready to return to the stage, proving once again that killing (on stage) can be a bloody good time.

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