Hilarious Cast with Good Direction
I always enjoy seeing the talent move across San Diego (and beyond) through various productions. In North Coast Rep’s season opener, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, is directed by Noelle Marion, who recently directed Waitress at Moonlight theatre. Marion has a definite way with comedy, proving a fun, cackling time at the theatre.
With book & lyrics by Robert L. Freedman, music & lyrics by Steven Lutvak, and based on a novel by Roy Horniman, ‘Murder takes place in 1909’s London, where Monty (Andrew Polec) has just lost his mother. Brought up with humble means, Monty is surprised by Miss Shingle (Jean Kauffman), who lets him know that his mother comes from aristocracy and that he should claim his rightful place and fortune. As he gets into the D’Ysquith manor, he also begins to clear the relatives out of the way, allowing him to reach his destination more quickly. This also involves his love interests, Phoebe (Katy Tang) and Sibella (Lauren Weinberg), but can he stay with both?
This comedy of errors or farce musical is sung to live music courtesy of Daniel Lincoln’s musical direction, who also plays the keyboard along with Jennifer Williams (Strings), Amy Kalal (Reeds 1), and Katrina Earl (Reeds 2). Chris Luessmann’s sound design and Liam Sullivan’s mixing brought everything together, allowing effects, music, and voices to flow seamlessly.
Although the performance lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the intermission, it passes quickly due to its silliness and hilarity. The cast is cohesive, displaying good timing and comedic ability that is playful through different British accents, led by Vanessa Dinning’s coaching. Katy Tang and Lauren Weinberg’s voices are as powerful as they are beautiful, interpreting songs like “I’ve Decided to Marry You” and “That Horrible Woman”. It’s great to see Lauren after her outstanding performance in Camelot last year. Katy Tang always delivers. I would like to see her perform more throughout San Diego. I am a fan of Andrew Polec ever since I saw him in The Globe’s production of Hair in 2021. His Grinch continues to amaze families year after year. In this production, Andrew showcases his trained artistry with charm and strong vocals. Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper has claimed the artistic throne with this production, as he interprets 99% of the D’Ysquith family members one after the other, and in between, with impeccable timing, sass, and great humor. Michael Cavinder, Andrew Hey, and Shinah Hey round out the cast, matching perfectly with other cast members in different scenes, and being a joy to watch.
Marty Burnett’s set design included classic paintings with a local twist, making the boards full of personality. Matthew Novotny’s lighting elegantly allowed each scene change, as well as the revealing scenes, while Monty is climbing up the family tree. Elisa Benzoni and Grace Wong’s costumes were vast and vivid, featuring lace and satin for the women in the cast (I particularly loved Sibella’s robe), along with riding gear and suits for the men that complemented Audrey Casteris and Sarah Palluconi’s props well. Peter Herman’s wigs complemented both the attire and the comedy.
A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER is a hilarious and entertaining production that is well directed, with a thriving cast.
Update: Now extended until August 24.
Luke Harvey Jacobs is the Choreographer. Crew members are Haley Baugher, Jeruel Canda, Jamie Krumenacker, and Matthew Lee. Laura Zingle is the Stage Manager.
