Another memorable Avon Players’ season closes with the devilishly wicked musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, running until June 6, 2026, in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Based on the 1907 novel Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal. The show was written by Steven Lutvak (music and lyrics) and Robert Freedman (book and lyrics).
The opening musical number, “Prologue,” sets the tone for what is to come – “For those of you of weaker constitution. For those of you who may be faint of heart. This is a tale of revenge and retribution, so if you’re smart, before we start, you’d best depart!”
Despite this warning, you won’t regret staying for this murderously funny musical.
In 1909 London, we find Montague “Monty” Navarro (Adam Wagner, The Prince of Egypt), the Ninth Earl of Highhurst, facing execution for murder and writing his memoirs from a prison cell. The story of how Monty ended up in this situation begins in Clapham with a visit from Miss Shingle (Pamela Plewa, Mamma Mia), who comes to pay her respects after Monty’s mother’s death and to share a secret that forever alters the course of his mediocre life.
Monty is a D’Ysquith.
What is a D’Ysquith? A noble English family with power, wealth, and prestige. Everything that Monty is not. He is gobsmacked to learn of his good fortune and rushes off to tell his childhood love, Sibella Hallward (Hosanna Phillips, Young Frankenstein). But Monty’s excitement is short-lived when Sibella reminds him that his newly discovered title as the Ninth Earl of Highhurst doesn’t mean much unless the eight Earls ahead of him die, and how likely is that to happen? Sibella is a gorgeous woman, with a penchant for pink, who truly adores Monty but wants all the finer things in life that he can’t give her (“Foolish to Think”).
This makes Monty more determined to be recognized by the D’Ysquith family and to take his rightful place among them. It goes as badly as you would expect. Monty confronts Lord Adabert D’Ysquith (Tom Pagnano, in his Avon Players debut), who doesn’t take him seriously (“I Don’t Understand the Poor”), which only solidifies Monty’s resolve to claw his way to the top of the family tree.
One of the most comical aspects of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is the fact that all the doomed D’Ysquiths are played by one actor – Tom Pagnano. He steals every scene he is in, portraying a dandy, a clergyman, an elderly banker, a country squire, a benefactress, a bodybuilder, and an actress. Each one dying in the most creative and comical manner.
As Monty gets his hooks deeper into the D’Ysquith family, he meets Phoebe D’Ysquith (Celeste Blanch, in her Avon Players debut). The two develop a romantic connection (“Inside Out”), and Monty begins to see the advantage of having her as his countess when he finally takes his rightful position as the Earl of Highhurst (The Last One You’d Expect”).
Of course, with all the D’Ysquiths dying in spectacular fashion one, right after another, people start getting suspicious (“Why Are All the D’Ysquiths Dying?”). To complicate matters further, Monty ends up in a love triangle with Sibella and Phoebe before being accused of the one D’Ysquith murder he didn’t commit (“Stop! Wait! What?!”).
Wagner plays Monty as equal parts dashing and dangerous. He is a good guy who wants the girl and the fortune. You don’t know whether to root for him or slap him for his brazenness. It is quite a delicious dilemma.
Just like she did in the comedy Drinking Alone, director Joy Oetjens knows how to take the quirky plays and make a meal out of the material. Helping her achieve that to hilarious effect are the ensemble members Emily Brown, Clayton Hargrove, Ryan Gigliotti, Nikki Mullaly, Tarek Murray, and Elaina Tang.
Along with an amazing cast, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder features inventive set designs, gorgeous costumes, strong vocal performances, singing portraits, and is overall cheeky good fun.
But what happens to Monty? Does he beat the murder rap? Does he end up with Sibella or Phoebe? Are there any D’Ysquiths left? To find out, you’ll have to see this madness for yourself. After all, a gentleman never kisses and tells.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is rated PG for adult themes and comical violence and runs 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Joy Oetjens directs a Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder with Chris Stepnitz as producer. David Mety is the music director, Ron Pietrantoni is the vocal director, and Nick Kibler serves as sound designer. Select costumes based on original costume design by Linda Cho, along with lighting and costume design by John (JD) Deierlein. Set design is by Stephen Maksymiuk and Tracey Nihem, with Tracey Nihem also on set dress. Hair and makeup design is by Zoe Oetjens, with wig design by Lisa Miller, and properties by Shelby Smith and Teren Richards.
Tickets for all shows are $28. Call 248-608-9077 for tickets or order online at www.AvonPlayers.org. Discounts on group rates are available by calling the box office. “Like” Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. All major credit cards are accepted. All seats are reserved.
Make a date with one of these remaining shows:
- Saturday, May 23; 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 24; 2:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 29; 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 30; 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 31; 2:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 5; 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 6; 8:00 p.m.
About Sarah Hovis