Theatre Review: A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder

Laguna Playhouse presents their opening season production of the 2014 Tony Award winning Best Musical, “A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder”. Climbing the social ladder of Edwardian England proves to be a comical endeavor paired with a dash of mischief. Within the confines of prison, Monty Navarro (Andrew Hey) writes his memoir of his determined rise to wealth. Following the passing of his mother, family friend Miss Shingle (Jean Kauffman) reveals that Monty is in fact the ninth in line to inherit the D’Ysquith family wealth.

Motivated by his devotion for the beautiful Sibella (Lauren Weinberg), who is set to marry another man, Monty puts into play a scheme to do away with each member of the D’Ysquith family (Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper) in order to obtain the status and wealth of his love’s affections. To his surprise, he falls head over heels in love for his distant cousin, Phoebe (Katy Tang). A woman so distinct from Sibella, he could not turn away. No one has uncovered Monty’s murderous trail until Inspector Pinckney (Michael Cavinder) comes into the picture.

For anyone that was fortunate enough to have seen “The Remarkable Mister Holmes: A Madcap Musical Comedy Murder Mystery” in spring 2025 at Laguna Playhouse, you’re in for another treat with “A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder”. While the former was a cross between Sherlock Holmes whodunnit meets the music of “My Fair Lady”, the later has the audience follow the murderer and understand their motivation. The deaths themselves are less horrific malice and more diabolically hands off. Monty sets up his murders that allow his victims to make the deaths look more like freak accidents.

“A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder” charms its way with amusing wit and fast paced musical numbers leaving you breathless with curiosity for the next untimely demise and balancing romance. The curtain remains unveiled following Monty’s every sinister act. Little mystery to solve except for the murderer to cover his own tracks. So no need to follow or disregard red herrings. The deaths play out as all in good fun as the family murder victims are played out by a single talented and skilled actor. Easy to digest flurry just as the fall season springs up for the Halloween season.

Book and Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman.  Music and Lyrics by Steven Lutvak.  Based on a novel by Roy Horniman.  Directed by Noelle Marion. “A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder” performs at the Laguna Playhouse from September 21, 2025 to October 5, 2025.  For more information including ticket sales, visit https://lagunaplayhouse.com/2025-2026-mainstage/a-gentlemans-guide-to-love-murder/