Comedy With a Capital C

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder – Porchlight Theatre

The magnificent production that earned the Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League and the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the Best Musical of 2014 is now a glorious production at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. This comedy, which borrows its plot from the 1949 British film, “Kind Hearts and Coronets,” and was, in turn, adapted from Roy Horniman’s novel The Autobiography of a Criminal, is as over-the-top as a play can be. With an operetta-like score, composed by Steven Lutvak, a book by Robert L. Freedman and lyrics by both gentlemen, this delightfully madcap musical is more fun than a day spent at Faulty Towers.

Wielding black bumbershoots and clad in Edwardian mourning garb, the musical establishes its style with the ensemble earnestly warning the audience that “those of you of weaker constitution might want to leave now,” due to the disturbing events that are about to follow. The plot of this fast-paced black comedy takes off like hounds in a fox hunt, revolving around the exploits of a likable young man named Monty Navarro. The gentleman is shocked to learn from a mysterious elderly woman named Miss Shingle that he is a member of the D’Ysquith dynasty, the wealthiest and most aristocratic family in this part of England. He’s told that his mother was disinherited from the family because she married for love, not fortune. However, with her recent death, Monty is now ninth in line to inherit the prestigious title of the Earl of Highhurst. However, she points out, eight others stand in front of his good fortune, and only should they befall some kind of calamity would Monty become royalty, thus inheriting the family estate and its fortune. With this kind of setup, we know precisely what’s about to transpire.

Songs filled with delicious lyrics, smacking delightfully of Gilbert & Sullivan wit, fill this production. Stephen Schellhardt has staged and choreographed this production with giddy, unbounded energy. He’s creatively assisted by choreographer Aubrey Adams, with superb musical direction by Andra Velis Simon, who also conducts a gifted seven-member backstage orchestra. Schellhardt’s task seems almost effortless, with the many quirky characters portrayed by a marvelously talented cast, clothed in beautifully detailed and frivolous costumes by Jeff Hendry. They romp across a gorgeous, modifiable setting, designed by Angela Weber Miller, with comical projections by Anthony Churchill. Nothing in this play is ever taken seriously. It’s pure, mindless fun for the audience, wondering how each victim will meet his maker.

Andres Enriquez is topnotch as Monty Navarro. This handsome young actor has a vocal range and oratory expertise that’s stellar. Mr. Enriquez is tireless as he races from locale to locale, always one step ahead of his waiting target. With so many tongue-twisting patter songs to master, Enriquez easily earns his thunderous applause by the end of the evening. He’s matched by the splendid, unbelievably mind-boggling portrayal of all the D’Ysquiths, by Chicago favorite Matt Crowle. There are nine separate roles, both male and female, young and old, that this versatile and hilarious actor must assume. And assume he does, with plenty of vim and vigor. Mr. Crowle, whose comic skills steal the show, must be seen to be fully appreciated because he is hilarious in every role. Matt Crowle’s many characters include a nearsighted member of the clergy, proudly showing off his church bell tower; the philanthropic Lady Hyacinth D’Ysquith, for whom the world is a playground for her charitable acts; a philandering Asquith D’Ysquith, finding illicit romance whilst ice skating with his latest flame; and as Henry, a gay young beekeeper, whose swarm is lured to sting the hand that tends them.

Henry D’Ysquith’s pretty, younger sister, Phoebe, is played with coy classiness and prissy perfection by Ann Delaney. She and the beautiful, sultry Emily Goldberg, as Sibella Hallward, the riches-and-reputation-driven rival for Monty’s heart, share the honor of having two of the most beautiful voices in this production, especially showcased with Mr. Enriquez in “I’ve Decided to Marry You.” Their comic talents are matched by a singular command of style. Character actress Caron Buinis, as Miss Shingle, humorously begins and concludes Monty’s saga as a kind of working class Lady Bracknell, with a touch of Hyacinth Bucket thrown in, for good measure. Her expository song, “You’re a D’Ysquith” is a delightful classic.
There’s so much to recommend in this wonderful, waggish and whimsical production. There’s romance, intrigue, lovely songs and beautiful sets and costumes. The pace is energetic and Stephen Schellhardt’s spot-on direction never disappoints. With a cast of brilliant theatrical artists, including a terrific ensemble, all at the top of their game, this much lauded musical is an evening of finely-honed musical comedy, with a capital C.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 28-March 16 by Porchlight Music Theatre at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Pkwy, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the Ruth Page box office, by calling 773-777-9884 or by going to www.porchlightmusictheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.