By Demi Rose
Within the arms of the beautiful red rock canyon, Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Ivins, Utah presents a thrilling chase of plot twists and romance in the musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, written by Robert L. Freedman, and expertly directed and choreographed by Peggy Hickey. Inside of the newly remodeled Hafen Theater, a grand and daunting Romanesque stage with bright red curtains, molds an air of awe and excitement regarding the theatrics promised within the set design.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is set in the late Edwardian era of London and is far from bereft as the actors introduce the performance with a vocally crisp and hilarious prologue “A Warning to the Audience,” that seeks to persuade persons of weak constitution to “best depart” as this is “a tale of revenge and retribution”. In this instance, what revenge is better than for Monty Navaro (Nick Tubbs) to murder eight people? To be more specific, eight people who stand in his way of inheriting the title to be the ninth Earl of Highhurst and gaining the incredibly powerful name of a D’Ysquith. This gives him access not only to fortune, but to gain favor with Sibella Hallward (Gail Bennett) who will only marry for wealth and influence.
Bennett’s Hallward and Tubb’s Monty have a constant cat and mouse tension onstage. Bennet portrays Ms. Hallward as a pink-loving, free-spirited tease whist Tubb’s Monty is insecure but determined. One of the keenest portrayals of the relationship starts off immediately when Bennett sings “I Don’t Know What I’d Do,” which shows Hallward’s self-interest and desire for a carefree and luxurious life. Tubb’s Monty is a stern and resolute character that is affectionately countered by the genius performance of James Taylor Odom who plays all eight members of the D’Ysquith family on Monty’s list to kill. The versatility of Odom fulfilling multiple roles is the core contributor to the show’s humor. The eight members presented by Odom go from obtrusively representing a pious clergy to unapologetically portraying an elderly woman. As members of the D’Ysquith family are dropping dead by ‘natural’ causes before Act 1 ends—that’s right it takes one act to kill off most the eight family members—the entire town becomes abuzz in the start of Act 2 with arguably one of the most comedic songs “Why Are All the D’Ysquiths Dying?”. Without risking the spoilers in Act 2, make sure to also watch out for Lady Eugenia (Linda Griffin) and Phoebe D’Ysquith’s (Kelley Dorney) knock-out performances. As if the cast is not reason enough to see A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, it would be distasteful not to mention the architectural splendor of each scene so keenly pieced together by Set Designer Alexander Dodge. Impeccable costume design by Linda Cho shows her astute and critical efforts styling actors of the Edwardian period as well as choosing costumes that are both flattering and contrasting– meaning characters are easy to tell who’s who. Lastly, it is surprising to find out that the orchestration under the direction of Music Director Benet Braun,is done live considering how flawlessly the music is played.
As always, Tuacahn is spectacular in yet another Broadway spectacle. Be sure to see A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder running until August 10; however, be advised that it is meant for more mature audiences.
Tuacahn Amphitheatre presents A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder,book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and Lyrics by Steven Lutvak.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts, 1100 Tuacahn Dr. Ivins, Utah 84738
July 5 – August 10, 2019 Mon – Sat 7:30 PM Saturday matinee 2:00 PM *Check website calendar for particular days and times.
Tickets: $25+
Contact: 435-652-3300
Tuacahn Center for the Arts Facebook Page
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