DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University’s School of Theatre & Dance invites audiences to experience a delightfully dark and hilarious romp through Edwardian England with “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” opening October 16–19 at the Virginia Rogers Theatre inside the Center for Theatre & Dance.
Directed by Kevin Long with music direction by Beth Mason Creighton ’01, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy follows Monty Navarro, a low-born man who discovers he’s eighth in line to inherit an earldom in the wealthy D’Ysquith family. Determined to claim his fortune, Monty sets off to eliminate his unsuspecting relatives – one by one – in a clever and chaotic climb to the top.
“This show is like a musical version of Clue,” said Creighton. “It’s a British farce – funnny, absurd, and full of wit. There’s certainly love and there’s definitely murder, but in the most over-the-top, ridiculous ways imaginable.”
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is based on the book by Robert L. Freedman with music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak. The original Broadway production opened in 2013 and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Set in the early 1900s, Millikin’s production features intricate period costumes and a dynamic cast of 11 actors, supported by six understudies and an extensive team of designers, technicians, and costume artisans. Creighton noted that rehearsals began as soon as students returned to campus in August – after auditioning and costume fittings were completed in the spring to give the design team time to work over the summer.
“We have about 90 people involved in some way – on stage, backstage, in the pit, and in design roles,” said Creighton. “It’s a true collaboration of students, faculty, and staff bringing every aspect of Performance Learning to life.”
Senior Aleah Frank, from Madison, Wisc., plays multiple ensemble roles and described the show as “a whirlwind of characters and quick changes.”
“We got into the space for the first time this week, and seeing the incredible set made it feel real,” Frank said. “It’s challenging playing so many roles, but it’s also so rewarding – each one brings something new to the story.”
Ethan Rhoades, a senior from Oswego, Ill., also performs in the ensemble and shared how the students prepared for the musical’s unique comedic style.
“There’s a lot of movement, quick timing, and physical comedy,” Rhoades said. “It’s a big team effort – everyone’s energy feeds off one another.”
In addition to conducting the pit orchestra from the piano, Creighton praised her students’ dedication to learning complex vocal parts over the summer.
“They learned the music on their own and sent me recordings for feedback,” she said. “By the time we started rehearsals, they were ready to hit the ground running.”
The show runs approximately two hours and thirty minutes, including intermission, and promises an evening of laughter and spectacle.
“It’s just fun and silly and a nice escape,” said Creighton. “You’ll leave smiling – and maybe humming a tune or two.”
Performance Details
Performances will take place at Millikin University’s Virginia Rogers Theatre:
Thursday, Oct. 16 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18 | 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 19 | 2 p.m.
Tickets are $25 (general admission) and available at millikin.universitytickets.com
