On Theater: You’ll die laughing at ‘Gentleman’s Guide’
The lethally funny musical “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” might seem delightfully fresh and original at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, but its inspiration goes back well over a century — to 1907 and a novel called “Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal,” which inspired the 1949 movie “Kind Hearts and Coronets.”
So there’s nothing new under the sun. So what? “Gentleman’s Guide” still is the most unique stage musical to come down the pike in many moons. It’s splendidly witty, surprisingly articulate and supremely enjoyable as it polishes off eight victims (the same actor as each) while its protagonist dallies with two lovely ladies.
The gentleman in question is a young British scoundrel, played by the ebullient Kevin Massey (from the Broadway cast), who learns he’s ninth in line for the title of the earl of Highhurst. So he decides to take a short cut and eliminate the eight heirs in front of him in superbly imaginative fashion.
You think Peter Sellers was inventive in “Dr. Strangelove”? He only played three characters. John Rapson interprets eight, plus a surprise twist near the show’s end. Rapson excels in over-the-top caricature as he “dies” repeatedly from a variety of causes, including thin ice and bee stings.
The high point of the show, however, involves Massey’s involvement with the gorgeous Kristen Beth Williams — who’s married to an unseen character — and the coolly beautiful aristocrat Kristen Hahn. When both show up at Massey’s place at the same time, unbridled hilarity ensues.
There’s a third Kristen in the cast — Kristen Mengelkoch, who serves up as nasty an old harridan as one can imagine. Mary VanArsdel also supplies some advanced-age humor as the chatty Miss Shingle.
Alexander Dodge’s set design is positively breathtaking, with a tremendous assist from production designer Aaron Rhyne. Together, they create a cinematic effect with colorful backdrops that command the stage and are constantly transformed.
Director Darko Tresnjak, who staged the Broadway production and won a Tony and other major awards, guides the touring production with a sure, steady hand, bolstered by Peggy Hickey’s sprightly choreography.
Regrettably, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” was ticketed for a brief one-week engagement and will close after today’s final performances. It should not be missed.
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IF YOU GO
What: “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
When: Final performances at 1 and 6:30 p.m. March 5
Cost: Tickets start at $29
Information: (714) 556-2787
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TOM TITUS reviews local theater.
