A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

I sure am glad I’m not a D’Ysquith! When I heard that this Tony award-​winning best musical was nearing the end of its Broadway run, I knew I had to buy tickets right away. That said, this past Friday evening’s performance was unsurprisingly crowded with eager fans (and future fans) of the musical comedy, all seizing the opportunity to see the show before tonight’s final curtain call.
At first, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder might not sound like the most thrilling narrative — set in London in 1907, the story follows Monty Navarro, a «penniless clerk» who’s down on his luck. His mother suddenly passes, and the girl he loves just won’t accept him for who he is. So of course, when Monty discovers he’s eighth in line to inherit the elite D’Ysquith family’s fortune, he proceeds to do what any sane and rational person would in order to get to the top — kill the eight family members standing in his way. This is where it begins to get interesting, and also rather grim, hence the show’s prologue, «A Warning to the Audience.»
What is it then that makes Gentleman’s Guide so outstanding? Is it the acting, the plot, or the script? To me, it’s a bit of everything, though no one can deny the real star of the show: Jefferson Mays. Never mind that the man plays eight different characters amongst rapid-​fire changes in costume and persona; that in itself can and has been done before. What elevates Mays’s performance above the rest is how he completely nails every single little detail about each character, down to their distinct mannerisms. I left the theatre that night wondering how he manages to keep them all «straight» (well…except for the ill-​fated beekeeper, Henry D’Ysquith, who takes a particular liking to the devilishly calculating Monty). I could continue to sing the praises of Jefferson Mays all day, but the fact of the matter is that he, in addition to the rest of the cast, are truly hilarious and dynamic in their roles.
By the time we’d arrived at intermission, I was shocked by the fast-​paced style of the story. I didn’t want it to end! A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder really is the experience of a lifetime, and will certainly go down as one of the great musical comedies on Broadway. I enjoyed every second and only regret not seeing it sooner. If I could, I would recommend you attend the next performance, but unfortunately, since that isn’t possible, you’ll just have to take my word for it!

Gorgeous! Outstanding!!! One of the most funny musicals I’ve ever seen!!! Actors and actresses performances are simply perfect!!!

I really enjoyed this performance. I did sit in the bleachers and had a hard time seeing facial expressions, but that is to be expected. If you can try to sit in the mezzanine do so as that level has a great, close view of the show. I also did have a hard time understanding everything that was said. Overall I loved how intimate this theater was and would definitely recommend A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder. It was funny and entertaining. The actors had great voices as well.

4 – 4.5 stars. This Broadway show definitely lives up to its hype! I really loved the quick scene changes, very well developed characters, and easy-​to-​follow yet captivating storyline. Usually I get annoyed by all of the seemingly random singing that happens but this show really integrated musical elements well. The costumes were also great and I liked how they expressed so much with each of the different sets. I’m most impressed by the nuances behind each character’s lines and the costumes/​the way things are presented. Without giving too much away, my favorite scene was definitely the one with the Monty’s two lovers.
Before this show ends, come enjoy this classic British comedy! Although the title may conjure up graphic imagery, this show’s treatment of love and murder are absolutely clever and hilarious in the least creepy way possible.

See it. Now. Before it closes. Don’t miss out!
Some brilliant, smart performances… GREAT book AND score… phenomenal vocalists… OUTSTANDING comediennes… just fabulous!
Every demographic in the house was laughing throughout the piece. Even the dude next to me who sighed every time more legit/​classical singing happened was having a blast through all the dialogue, blocking, and lyrical genius.
My only qualm is that I had some issue understanding certain lyrics due to a lack of enunciation. But it happened sporadically, and I still understood everything going on in the show. So fun, smart, sassy, saucy, and grand!

Went to see the show again as the had a Halloween promo of 31.00 for orch/​front mezz seats. The understudy for Jefferson Mays did a great job and the show was again first rate. Closing in January, catch it if u can.

I had no expectations going to see this play at all, I was surprised how much I Loved it as it was a definite good one. The story is so funny and keeps everyone attention. I really laughed at this one. We got discount tickets orchestra seats on Halloween for a promo of 31.00 each. It is a lively comical musical. One of those shows that you wish it wasn’t over and would see again. The words in the songs are very clever so really listen. We sat in the second to last row in orchestra and seats were great.

I ended up buying student tickets and we were seated up in the balacony. Great price and we didn’t miss that much from up top. You do have to crane your head down for most of the musical, and missed some of the projections on the back of the stage, but not much of the rest.
So this was a really clever and witty musical — «sophisticated humor.» So many small jokes, playing with the audience — appopriate pauses for laughter. The voice overs of the main character are particularly delightful. The premise will become evident quickly, and you will find yourself rooting for some hilarious/​ingenious ways of murder. The songs are in the same light, funny — but not too catchy. I did not find myself singing any of the songs or playing the soundtrack after.
I’d rank Wicked, Book of Mormon, and Kinky Boots as my top tier, then this along with les mis and jersey boys, with on the town on the last tier

Hilarious and lighthearted, I’m so glad I spent my Sunday watching this show! Like everyone else’s comments, the actors are amazing. If you don’t look closely, you won’t even realize that one man plays 9 different characters. My favorite part was scene 2 of the second act between Monty and the two women. It was brilliantly crafted, lots of wit, lots of comedy, and lots of spectacular acting and singing. I won’t give anymore away. If you want a fun, relaxing way to spend a Sunday, come catch this show!

I came to this musical only having heard the name, but knowing nothing about what the show was about. The show started off somewhat slow, and I thought, «Oh jeez, how long is this going to be?» But as it went on, I found myself smiling and laughing out loud. This show is absolutely hilarious, the songs are catchy, the artistic effects are amazing, and it was an overall good time!
Highly recommended!

Watched this show for rush (balcony seats) during the original cast.
Overall, it was pretty humorous, but it never made me laugh aloud or snicker to myself like Book of Mormon did, yet didn’t attach me to any of the characters as I did to a lot of the Broadways (because it was trying to be so humorous). I don’t even mind abrasive jokes, but they were just not hilarious.
The best part is Jefferson Mays — what pure talent to act out eight different characters with such different aura!

Loved it! Got tickets for 2 for 1 Broadway week. We got two tickets back left orchestra for $ 150 total. It was my bf first Broadway show so I was super excited.
Didn’t want anything too boring and sing song like so he wouldn’t fall asleep… I had heard great reviews tho so I was excited.
It lived up to all the reviews. It starts off a little slow but once it gets going it’s hilarious. Go you won’t be disappointed!
**Tip: If you’re short like me and you’re really nice… ask the sweet attendants for a booster coushon for your seat! It really works**

A really, really fabulous show!
My BFF and I sat in Mezzanine Center, Row A, Seat 111 – 112 ($ 151.88/each including taxes and fees) and the view was fantastic.
The story is hilarious and the songs are great. The cast was amazing, however, Jefferson Mays stole the show with his EIGHT characters. I mean, phenomenal. It’s just a fun show that appeals to a wide audience. I would see it again.
The souvenirs are equally hilarious with a lot of the «Poison in my pocket» theme going on. I was happy to find a unique magnet to take home as a memento.

4.5 stars!
Not a huge fan of Broadway? Good, then this is the one to see for you musical skeptics!
I, myself, am a huge fan of musicals and this one was so much fun! Sure, the music is no «Les Mis» and the story line itself is not exactly ground-​breaking, but with such a charming small cast, a very cozy theater where there’s hardly a bad seat in the house, and comedic punchlines that will guarantee a few belly-​aching laughs, what more could you ask from a show?
You quickly get attached to the characters and boy, every actor is MEGA talented! During the Sunday matinée, we ended up with the understudy for the D’Ysquith Family members and he was FANTASTIC! «I’ve Decided to Marry You», «Better with a Man», and the renditions of «Poison in my Pocket» were some of my favorite songs from the show.
I highly recommend A Gentlemen’s Guide to Lover and Murder to anyone looking for a light-​hearted and witty show — it’s an all-​around good time! And don’t forget to hunt around for discounts!

«A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder» is not a bad musical by any means, but I can never imagine it being part of the Great American Musical cannon. Which is too bad because the cast is über-​talented, the production is really well done, and the story is among the more original (–ish) of musicals opening on Broadway these days.
There are plenty of reviews here that expound upon the merits of this production, so I won’t waste your time rehashing what’s been said, but I will add the following three observations:
(1) I went to see this production right before Lauren Worsham, a member of the original cast, departed the production. Although it was Lauren’s second to last performance — and I did get to see her — Bryce Pinkham was out. While I was initially disappointed, his understudy (Jeff Kready, who took over the role of Monty when Bryce left the production) more than held his own in the production. In fact, he exudes such undeniable charm that it’s hard to imagine why he wasn’t cast in the role in the first place.
(2) When I first walked out of the theater, I was a bit upset at the fact that I didn’t like the show, but I couldn’t put my finger on why I disliked it. After all, the production itself was so well done. Meeting a friend for dinner later that night, she exclaimed that she also saw the show and thought it was so-​so. «I found it kind of… silly…» my friend said. Bingo, I thought. That’s what held me back from liking it; the story was so silly and unsubstantial that the humor never really stuck with me.
(3) The reason for my not liking the musical as much as I would have liked could possibly be attributable to one or two reasons: (a) The fact that so many people had built up the show to be the FUNNIEST THING EVER, and (b) The fact that I got rush seats in the very front row. Speaking to the latter, do NOT sit in the front row if you can help it. You really miss half of the action.

I really enjoyed this show. It is easy to see why Gentleman’s Guide won the Tony for Best Musical. Sadly, Jefferson Mays did not perform in the show we attended (Friday night!), however, his understudy was excellent. It was so impressive to see one man play 8 characters who have almost nothing in common. The concept was very clever.
I laughed out loud several times throughout the story. I was truly eager to see how they would conclude the show. I thoroughly enjoyed the costumes, the extremely unique sets and special effects, the jokes and the music. It’s definitely a must-​see for any Broadway fans!

This show was great! Funny, exciting, wonderful music and champion acting! Jefferson Mays was lighting. A perfect combination of wit and musical acts. Highly recommend!

Wow, what amazing performers. The show itself was good (not great), fun and entertaining. But what really made this a 4-​star show was the actors.
The ensemble is really only a handful of people, but you would never know because some play mutliple roles. Jefferson Mays plays at least 9 characters throughout the night and the lead actor is literally on stage the entire show doing almost every musical number. They were really fantastic.
Without giving the show away — it’s funny, entertaining, lots of musical numbers, and the theatre (Walter Kerr Theatre) is very intimate so even sitting on the balcony seats you’ll have a great view. Sitting in the mezzanine and balcony, the seats are on such a steep slope you don’t have to worry about not seeing because of the person in front of you!
I definitely recommend this show; it’s a fun night out :)

After seeing the song ‘I’ve Decided to Marry You’ at the 2014 Tony Awards, I knew I needed to see this show. Fast forward several months later and surprisingly a Facebook deal comes along that fits my current financial situation and I jump at the opportunity with my sister.
We arrived a few minutes before curtain and had a little difficulty finding our seats (we were located on the balcony but cut across the mezzanine to the opposite side where there was no usher). Once seated I worried briefly that I did not like the view, but it ended up becoming a non-​problem once I became completely immersed in the show, at times leaning forward to get a better view.
I had bought my tickets before realizing that Bryce Pinkham would be leaving the show a week earlier. He played Monty and I had been looking forward to seeing him perform as I loved his movements and voice. Jeff Kready, his understudy, was cast as Monty and he was delightful. I think he just needs to work on his flexibility and nimbleness and he will be a true star for the show. Lisa O’Hare was splendid as the vixen Sibella, her original role. Catherine Walker, who took over for Lauren Worsham as Phoebe D’Ysquith also had a lovely presence. In the video that got me hooked Lauren Worsham sings in a bit comical, throaty tone during I’ve Decided to Marry You and I did miss that a bit. Walker, was splendid.
Perhaps out of the whole ensemble, Jefferson Mays is the most wonderful of them all. Playing all of the D’Ysquiths, this man has a huge, fast-​paced role and he flips the switch between these diverse personalities so quickly it is mind-​blowing. I met him after the show and commended him on his great skill, wonderful man as well.
I haven’t even gotten to how hysterical the show is. The humor is smart, quick one-​liners, sight-​gags, and caricatured character reaction based. Effortlessly timed and with great stage direction. The set design is beautiful, and gets changed just as fast as Jefferson Mays. The music is fun and at times you forget you are watching a comedy with how beautiful the singers are. (And once again a big shout-​out to Jefferson Mays who does not have a musical background).
After the show I met a few of the actors at the stage door (which is located right next to the entrance). I would’ve waited longer but with a train to catch I couldn’t stay. I was really surprised by the small amount of people waiting at the stage door, a single barricade and no security! When i waited at the stage door for Les Mis it was a completely different story. It did allow me to thank the actors I did meet and get my playbill signed. I met Jefferson Mays, Lisa O’Hare, and Kevin Masey (ensemble).
And another little tip: I wouldn’t recommend sitting in the first two rows of the theater, there is a scene in the Second Act that should really have a splash guard warning like at SeaWorld. Great scene as well!
In short, this is a must-​see, and I would definitely recommend seeing it with Jefferson Mays in his D’Ysquith role.

What a delightful show! So clever, with wonderful songs and terrific performances.
Jefferson Mays is incredible in his multiple roles. Bryce Pinkham was also wonderful and I thought both of the female leads, Lisa O’Hare and Lauren Worsham, had exquisite voices.
Sets are clever, costumes are beautiful and the show just frolics along.
I won’t give away the story but in my opinion the Tony for best musical was well deserved.