By Elise White
It’s a great night for murder and laughs as Ziegfeld Theatre Company presents comedy gold in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Park City’s Egyptian Theater.I had seen this side-splitting musical once before so I was excited to see what was in store for me during my first visit to the Egyptian Theater.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder takes the audience on a journey with Montague ”Monty” Navarro (Paul McGrew) as he learns from the cheeky Miss Shingle (Juliet Wendels) that he is a D’Ysquith and, therefore, eighth in line to inherit the D’Ysquith Earldom. Monty is also in love with Sibella Hallward (Sariah Shumate) who marries another man. With murder on his mind and love out of his reach, Monty embarks on a killer quest to become the next Earl of Highhurst. Hilarity ensues and one by one he works his way through the D’Ysquith family (Jake Larrabee) with most of the ideas of Monty’s killing methods coming from the D’Ysquiths themselves. Throughout his pursuits, he finds himself in an entanglement with Sibella whilst also becoming engaged to D’Ysquith widow Phoebe D’Ysquith (Samantha Paredes).
Immediately upon entering the Egyptian Theater, patrons are greeted with moody lighting complimenting the preserved Egyptian Revival Style of the theater, setting the tone for the show nicely. Theater Manager Randy Barton’s entertaining welcome warms up the audience as he introduces the play.
The sets are reliant on beautiful artistic renditions projected or hung on stage. Stage Manager Sydney McAlister masterfully manages the constant backdrop changes throughout. Very little is used by way of furniture and props. The minimalist set technique is a great choice of Director Caleb Perry’s as it makes the actors talents shine from the very beginning. Colored spotlighting is used to convey characters’ emotions as well as Monty’s internal monologue, and is well done.
Props must be given to Music Director Wendy Knowles as the ensemble takes the stage first and immediately draws the audience in with the striking vocals of the “Prologue” number. The ensemble cast have to wear many different character hats throughout the show and display impressive acting ability throughout. Rebecca Knowles’ choreography stands out in the ensemble’s ice dancing number.
The Women’s Ensemble (Emily Wennerholm, Rylee Harris, and Ginny Teuscher) is outstanding in their vocal abilities and their abilities to take on major D’Ysquith roles and then meld back into the ensemble smoothly. The Men’s Ensemble (Dylan Brady, David Knowles, and Mason Blanchard) is pure knee-slapping comedy in “Lady Hyacinth Abroad.”
Monty Navarro’s star is perfectly cast. McGrew’s physicality and expression adds depth to the conniving character as he sings skillfully and effortlessly through difficult musical passages. You can see the scheming in his eyes throughout and he tricks you into wanting him to succeed. My favorite moment is when he pulls out a box of rat poison and turns a devilish grin toward the audience. You can’t help but root for him.
The chemistry between McGrew and Shumate as Sibella is off the charts from the moment they are on stage together in “I Don’t Know What I’d Do Without You.” Shumate’s comedic timing is impeccable and her light angelic vocals are intoxicating, offsetting her seductive ambitions. You can’t help but fall for and feel for her.
Phoebe is a vision in lavender (costumes by Stephanie Colyer) as Samantha Paredes takes the stage. Her jaw-dropping soprano vocals melt like butter with McGrew’s in “Inside Out” creating pure ear candy.
Larrabee’s dynamic abilities are on full display as he seamlessly jumps from character to character and steals the show as the many members of the D’Ysquith family. “Better With a Man” is a stand-out number as Larrabee’s physical comedy surpasses the hilarious lyrics resulting in entertainment perfection. However, it does not matter what hat he is wearing, Larrabee makes every scene he is in a show-stopper.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is sensational, providing non-stop entertainment and perfect for a fun family night out. Get your tickets soon though, as shows in this theater often sell out.
Although murder is painted in a comedic light and there is some innuendo, this show should be appropriate for all audiences and the Egyptian Theater advertises it as such.
Ziegfeld Theatre Company presents A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak.
Egyptian Theater, 328 Main Street, Park City, Utah, 84060
May 19- 20, 25-27,2023 8:00 PM, May 21, 28, 2023 6:00 PM
Tickets: $23-$43 depending on date and seating. *Tickets increase $5 half hour before show time.
Contact: 855-745-SHOW, boxoffice@parkcityshows.com
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