‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ Inaugurate the New Dottie Studio

 If it’s farce you are looking for, head down to the Dottie Studio, Cygnet’s 150 seat new black box theatre in the Joan complex with seating on three sides,where Christopher Durang’s Tony Award (Best Play) winning farce “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is now being produced in a way only Durang can imagine.

Familiar with Chekhov? No? Well you don’t have to be according to Durang. If you’re a stickler for detail, it will help because the folks in ‘Vanya and Sonia’ all have names based on Chekhov’s characters and well… take on familiar personalities, not necessarily their names sakes but ‘a blend’ of his characters from “Three Sisters”, “The Seagull” or “The Cherry Orchard”. You pick. 

We know this right off the bat from Vanya, (truly believable Andrew Oswald ) who manages to tell us that both parents were professors and ‘active in community theatre’. (That’s in case you had no idea about the names) “Having professors for parents had its drawbacks”. “What 7 year old child knows who wrote “The Imaginary Invalid”? Father became so enraged when I said Neil Simon. I mean, I was only 7”. (Hint: French playwright Molière) 

Deftly directed by Anthony Methvin, “the two plus hour production has its very funny moments and some aha moments. 

The setting(Ye Chien Le) is a peaceful country farmhouse situated in Bucks County, PA. with a nearby pond that is the central lookout place for the clinically depressed and neurotic Sonia, an excellent, in fact at her very best, Shauna Wride and the much-repressed Vanya’s morning connection. They settle there in their morning room to stare out, drink their coffee and possibly catch sight of the blue heron that frequents the pond. 

Since their parents, whom they dedicated their adult lives to died, things are rather dull (the operative word) at the old farmhouse. On this morning coffee and how much milk is in it, is the topic of conversation. “I have two pleasant moments every day in my effing life, and one of them is bringing you coffee” laments Sonia. This after Vanya said he liked the cup he mixed for himself better. When he suggests that she move from the morning room to another she shares that she is in constant mourning…always keeping her sadness to herself. He: “I hope you are not going to make Chekhov references all day”. 

Shauna Wride and Andrew Oswald

As we move along, things pick up substantially when their housekeeper Cassandra (a hoot and a howl  Daisy Martinez) comes on to the scene with musings of ‘The Ides of March’ even though it’s late August. Better still ‘Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts’ or better yet, “Beware of the middle of the month”. She confesses she sees visions…shadows. “It may be my curse to see these shadows and my duty to warn you”.

Daisy Martinez

At the crux of ‘Vanya and Sonia’ is the not so welcomed homecoming of their once famous actress and control freak sister Masha (Eileen Bowman). She is planning on attending a costume party one of their wealthy neighbors is throwing. She has her Snow White costume all set and insists her siblings dress as the Dwarfs. Sonia counters by being The Evil Queen a la Maggie Smith. And Spike, (Sean Drew) in his almost all togethers, well he’s Prince Charming and  Marsha’s squeeze.

Masha, who has been married five times, is now shtupping her new plaything, Spike who has to be young enough to be her son. Spike’s claim to fame is that he is an also ran. He nearly landed a part in the sequel to “Entourage, Entourage 2”. The fact that he’s a bit slow, matters not to Vanya as it’s more of a distraction to him every time Spike strips down to show off his muscular body than it is for him to be flirting with their next door neighbor Nina (Emma Nossal). More on her later.

  Over the years Masha supported her siblings in order for them to take care of their ailing parents. She also kept the farmhouse and all its accouterment paid for. Now with her fame fading, money becomes a big issue. Her plans to sell then property does not sit right with any of the occupants of the house including Cassandra who, with the help of a Voodoo Doll tries to curb Masha’s appetite for a quick sale. 

Andrew Oswald and Eileen Bowman

All is fair play in Act II when Sonia and Vanya find a voice, each having their own epiphany. Sonia gets a call back from one of the party guest she met , the night before., but can’t remember who.  When he asks her to dinner she vacillates almost going into her lack of confidence mode, Sonia  finally mustering the nerve to dine with him to the delight of the opening night crowd. Wride shines in this scene as she does with every other depressed word she utters. She’s a perfect fit as Sonia.  

Vanya goes off on…well everything from climate control to licking stamps to cell phones, to Davy Crockett and coonskin hats, to the Lucy Show to video games and typewriters. It’s a ten or so minute rant; it’s a bit over -done, but done well by the talented Oswald. 

As for Masha, she’s another case. Ever affected to a fault, she nearly collapses from her over enthusiasm espousing her talents and woes. “I’m having a hard time. Do you mind? I’m getting older, my five marriages didn’t work out…. And I just feel old and vulnerable”. And in a moment just too funny for words, she bemoans to Sonia that the reason she didn’t cry at their parent s funeral was because “I hide my feelings”. Sonia, “Nonsense, you parade your feelings”….”It’s exhausting being around you”. Bowman’s performance while dramatic and animated is a bit over the top; fingers in hair and finally collapsing on the sofa. Indeed exhausting!

Emma Nossal

From this exchange both Sonia and Masha have a go at it. Vanya gets involved, Spike (whom Vanya has google eyes for)leaves to be with his other beloved, Nina is happy with her newly found acting abilities (she plays a molecule) and I want to say they all lived happily ever after, but I doubt it. 

Credit costume designs to Heather K. Nunn, especially Marsha’s Snow White costume and  Sonia’s slim, spangled dress a la Maggie Smith. Spike for his Kings outfit and lack of any discernible matching outfits and Nina’s flowing molecule gown. 

Sound design, Evan Eason, props, Bonnie Durban, Lighting, Curtis Mueller, Stage Manager, Jared Blake Halsell, and, of course Wigs by our favorite master of hair and wigs, Peter Hermann. 

Listen carefully. Laugh lines seem to drown out blocks of dialogue coming right after them. For a good laugh or two, it’s worth a try. After all it is Christopher Durang, in case you mistook him for Chekov.

See you at the theatre.

PS. I must admit, this is by far the best production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" I have seen over the years.

When:  Runs through Nov. 9. 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Cygnet Theatre’s Dottie Studio Theatre at The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego

Photo: Karli Cadel

Tickets: $58 and up

Phone: 619-337-1525

Online: cygnettheatre.com

MOXIE’S “BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY”: A PLAY FOR ALL SEASONS

Pearl Cleage’s “Blues for an Alabama Sky” is being given a stunning outing at Moxie Theatre through Oct. 26th. With careful direction by Desireé Clarke Miller, a beautifully detailed set by Michael Wogulis, Danita Lees perfect period costumes, Colby Freel’s magical lighting, and one of the most balanced ensembles assembled on any stage by far. This slice of Harlem Renaissance life is as current today as it was in the 1930’s. 

Deja Fields 

Cleage’s play takes place in 1930’ Harlem. It brings to life four friends and an outsider whose dreams, emotions and politics are on a collision course. While examining feminist, gay, conservative and social issues, the story weaves real live heroes of that era into the lives of the fictional ones. 

Janine Taylor, Xavier Daniels, Deja Fields and Kevanne La'Marre Coleman

Angel(Deja Fields) is a down on her luck blues singer who just broke up with her gangster boyfriend; a hard luck story awaiting a happy ending, Guy (Kevane La’Marre Coleman , a costume designer, is an optimist. He talks about Josephine Baker who is going to commission him to design her clothes, and promises him a trip to Paris. His open gayness is completely acceptable to his friends. Rounding out the foursome is Sam (Xavier Daniels) is a Dr. who delivers Harlem’s babies and bootlegs, by night. He never seems to get enough sleep. and Delia (Janine Taylor) who is a woman suffragette. Delia lives across the hall from Angel and Guy (best friends) and she is hell bent on opening a women’s clinic for women. She follows the teachings of Margaret Sanger. 

Carter Piggee, Deja Fields, Janine Taylor Xavier Daniels, Kevanne La' Marre Coleman

When a tall handsome stranger, Leland Cunningham ( Carter Piggee), from Alabama  comes into the lives of the four friends, everything gets turned up -side down. 

Deja Fields is compelling as Angel the down on her luck blues singer who shares an apartment with Guy, who in his own way takes care of her. As the central character, Deja’s every move is under scrutiny and she plays it to the hilt. 

Kevane Le’Marre Colman’s Guy is perfect as the gay, brutally honest and clever neighbor who has all the best lines in the play and play them he does. 

Carter Piggee and Deja Fields

Janine Taylor is the beautiful and soft, across the hall neighbor Delia who finds her soulmate in the kind hearted and level headed Dr. Sam (Xavier Daniels) who is forced to make an unpopular decision on behalf of Angel. 

Carter Piggee as Leland Cunningham is the tall, handsome and charming mannered stranger from Alabama whose views are repugnant to the friends he is trying to win over. 

                          Xavier Daniels and Carter Piggee

In the 930’s the world was in flux while four friends tried to struggle through them in their own inimitable way, much like the chaotic world we live in today: depression,  poverty and violence much like the chaotic world we live in today.

Pearl Cleage found the right formula for the right time and Moxie Theatre’s excellent production which is thought provoking is right on time.

Enjoy.

See you at the theatre.

When:  Runs through Oct. 26. 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N, Rolando

Tickets: $20-$59

Photo: Jason Sullivan

Phone: 858-598-7620

 

“Follies” Hits ‘The Joan’ Full Force.

 Is it a coincidence that over 40 years have passed since the Stephen Sondheim/James Goldman “Follies” opened the inaugural season in what used to be Cygnet Theatre, this past weekend?

Starlight Musical Theatre opened its 45th season with Sondheim’s award winning “Follies” in the summer of 1990 at the San Diego Civic Center starring Don and Bonnie Ward. 

Patti Goodwin

It has not been staged here in San Diego since then when Cygnet’s artistic Director Sean Murray felt he had not the right venue (i.e. a large enough stage) to meet the needs of all the Follies Cast and Zigfield like Follies girls. (A Pretty Girl Is Like a Memory)

Karole Foreman

“Follies” is short on script but long on underlying meanings. It’s about mixed memories, lost opportunities, rivalries,  misunderstandings, unhappy marriages and past animosities. All these  feelings weave through  the former Weisman girls, Phyllis and Sally (Karole Foreman and Sandy Campbell). It doesn’t help that their husbands Ben and Buddy (David S. Humphrey and  Russell Garrett) show up for the reunion as well. (“Too Many Mornings” Ben and Sally)

 

Set (Ralph Funicello/Andrew Hull) in a soon to be run down theatre of happier days, a reunion of ageing showgirls is about to take place. They show up one by one, looking, remembering, sighing and greeting the next set of past performers.

Dance number

Here is where the story veers off and the narrative is not about the music. As they come together, past and present memories weave through and tangled feelings abound, and the ghosts of their pasts are played out right before our eyes  Oft times it’s difficult to follow since it first appeared that there were two stories two sets of couples (young and older) and my mind was a bit boggled. 

The concept of “Follies” is unusual. When done well, as it was on the opening night at The Joan, it works most of the time. It works magnificently when the entire cast outdoes itself and especially under the direction of Murray. 

Leigh Scarritt

With a stellar cast and a few good recognizable tunes, you can’t go wrong: Sandy Campbell, who never disappoints, is exceptional  and always at her very best voice (“Losing My Mind” “In Buddy's Eyes”), Karol Foreman  (“Could I Leave You?”) is vibrant, octogenarian Patti Goodwin came out of retirement to belt out (“Broadway Baby”), one of my favorites, Melinda Gilb ("Who's That Woman") brought the house down with her funny antics, and  stunning Anise Ritchie and elegant looking Dagmar Krause Fields  (ensemble) all fit in nicely. Lest we forget,  sassy, sexy Leigh Scarritt never fails to disappoint (her  bittersweet “I’m Still Here” is so her character), another of my favorites. 

Ralph Johnson, Leigh Scarritt, Kiai Buglr, Anise Ritchie and 
Melinda Gilb.

The also ran men in the show, are good but compared to the women, with the exception of Ralph Johnson, David S Humphrey take second fiddle. Humphrey is a rich tenor and it was great seeing him back on stage, (remember him from “Forever Plaid”?) Eddie Yaroch and Amanda Naughton make a fine couple as Emily and Theodore Whitman.

Sandy Campbell, David Humphrey, 

Katie Banville Choreographed, Elisa Benzoni designed the costumes, Peter Hermann (my man) did the wigs and makeup,  Matt Lescault Woods, sound, Amanda Zieve, lighting. 

Patrick Marion leads a seven piece orchestra with Kyle Bayquen on Bass, Devon Henderson, Trumpet, Kaeylin Henderson,Trombone, Nathan Hubbard, Drums/Percussion, Amy Kalai, Reeds and Patrick Marion Conductor and keyboard. 

Abby Depuy and Dagmar Krause Fields 

Coincidence or not, 35 years might be a lifetime for some, but for The Follies’ Girls it seems  like a blip in time.

Good luck for future performances at the new Joan and thanks to both Joan and Irwin Jacobs for having the foresight to dream.

Enjoy. 

See you at the theatre.

When:  Runs through Oct. 19th. 7 p.m. 

Wednesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Cygnet Theatre at The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego

Tickets: $44 and up

Photo: Karli Cadel Photography

Phone: 619-337-1525

Online: cygnettheatre.com

La Jolly Playhouse Gets To The Heart of “The Heart” In 90 Minutes, Or 24 Hours or 5,400 pumps of a Heart At Rest.

 It may be a coincidence, that one of my grandsons is a facilitator for patients about to receive some body part transplant or another.  Although he has nothing to do with the actual transplant, he talks to the family about the decisions they may or may not have to make. 

Another coincidence is that he works at UCSD, the setting of our play, “The Heart”, based on a 2013 the medical fiction “Reparer les Vivants” written by Maylis de Kerangal, with book and additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan and musical lyrics by Anne and Ian Eisendrath.

Jason Tam and Zachary Noah Piser

The play chronicles the accidental death of a 19 year old surfer, Simon Lamar (a shining star Zachary Noah Piser), who after a morning of surfing at one of our local beaches, was on his way home with two of his buddies when the van they were driving  crashed into a tree. Both boys were wearing seat belts, but not Simon who was sitting in the middle. By the time they got Simon to the hospital emergency room, he is  pronounced brain dead, but his heart is still beating. 

Scene from The Heart (Wren Rivera center)

Life and death decisions will have to be made in the time it will take for the parents, Marianne and Sean (soberingly played by *Kenita Miller and Jason Tam) to decide whether or not to ‘harvest’ his organs; if there is a compatible, and healthy recipient. Thomas (Lincoln Clauss “Quicksand”) is the coordinator, who tries to make them understand what’s at play. 

There are no less than 9 characters playing multiple roles introduced, in part at times that when all is said and done, form complete characters. Heidi Blickenstaff ( A star in her own right and beautifully in control) is both head nurse in the OR and Clair (“Nobody Gets Out Alive”) the recipient of Simon’s heart, defines the gray line between life and death. The dichotomy of it all: being dead and alive at the same time. It’s mind-boggling, one yours truly never thought about before. 

All this happens under the expert direction of Artistic Director Christopher Ashley and precise Choreography under Mandy Moore. It felt to me that the action of the play was rolling along at a faster than fast pace while the characters seemed to be moving in slow motion.

Scene from The Heart

Every step is choreographed precisely, detailed, down to a science on Robert Brill’s neon lit and flashy stage. 

Gareth Owens sound design is surrealistic when Simon’s parents want him to hear the sound of the sea when his heart is removed.

Scene from The Heart

Video Designer Lucy Mackinnon’s graphics show medical records and an organ bank database. There are three screens set up on the long stage of the Potiker Theatre so everyone in the audience has the ability to see. 

The Eisendraths' 16 song score with musical conductor Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, who keeps to a beat, the times of a beating heart. 

The La Jolla Playhouse and staff deserve a big BRAVO for bringing this innovative piece to the fore. 

Tissues recommended. 

See you at the theatre.

When:  Runs through Oct.5th. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays

Photo:  (Rich Soublet II)

Where: La Jolla Playhouse’s Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UC San Diego, La Jolla

Tickets: $30-$119

Phone: 858-550-1010

Online: lajollaplayhouse.org

GLOBE’S “DECEIVED” IN EXCELLENT HANDS.

Set in the perfectly appointed (Paige Hathaway) sitting room of a middle class house in a square in London , 1901, Bella  and her husband Jack, along with their faithful maid, Elizabeth, and their flirtatious servant Nancy, strange things begin to happen. 

Unexplained noises come from the attic, the gaslights dim every now and then, jewelry ominously disappears, and feigned illness fill this house. The problem is that Bella seems to be the only one affected by these disturbances. Jack tries to convince Bella that she is imagining things. After all, Bella’s aunt went mad. Perhaps Bella inherited the same condition?  Oh! I love this stuff!

Some of you might remember the 1944 movie “Gaslight” with Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman, or the original 1938 stage version of this psychological thriller that could send chills up your spine. 

Brittany Bellizeare

“Deceived”, now playing in the round on the Sheryl  and White Theatre through Sept. 7th, and excellently directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg,  and adapted for the stage  by Johanna Wright and Patty Jameson is every bit a tingle as was the original movie. 

Sonnenberg, founder of Moxie Theatre, has assembled first rate cast for this double treat of a mystery. 

Brittany Bellizeare has the perfect demeanor to handle the confused Bella. Her movements, her looks tell one story about the beginnings of someone losing it. At first, she can’t fathom the disappearing jewelry, the dimming lights, the unpaid bills, the attic noises and the misplaced picture of her beloved aunt. 

Brittany Bellizeare and Travis Van Winkle

Travis Van Winkle’s Jack is at first self- assured in convincing Bella that something is wrong with her. He keeps sending her to her room to rest as he flits about coming and going supposedly to his club. But really?

Kennedy Tolson’s Nancy, the maid,  has an ace up her sleeve, but we don’t learn of that until later. What we do know is that she flirts a lot with Jack, and he with her. 

The prize, however, is Maggie Carney as Elizabeth, the housekeeper. She is loyal to Bella and wants to protect her from the evils that lurk in the house. It’s difficult, not to chuckle every time she is on stage. Just her looks, can bring a chuckle. Yours truly has never seen her at this level of excellence. 

The production lasts a good two hours and toward the end of Act I, the tide seems to be turning for Jack as Bella begins to see the light and plays along with Jack.

Brittany Bellizeare and Travis Van Winkle

In the second act, turnabout is fair play and Bella is her own rescuer and plays Jack like a drum but he’s too dense and otherwise occupied to  get her drift. Of the four characters, Jack is the weakest link (the only male) while the two playwrights keep Bella and the women at the center of the action. 

Nicole Jescinth Smith’s elegant early century costumes are impeccable for the woman of the house, Jacks neat attire and the servant’s outfits are neatly in place. 

Maggie Carney and Kennedy Tolson

Bryan Ealey’s lighting, especially the working gas lamps along with Paige Hathaway’s scenic design make it all the more authentic.   Fritz Patton designed the original music and sound design and  

Andrea Caban was dialect coach. 

Gas Light is the perfect adaptation for a stage revision especially under the expert direction of Ms. Sonnenberg. 

Overall, I would give this production a two thumbs up.

Enjoy. See you at the theater.

 

When:  Runs through Sept. 14th  7: p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays

Where: Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego

Photo:  Jim Cox

 Tickets: $47 and up

Phone: 619-234-5623

Online: theoldglobe.org

[TITLE OF SHOW] *Yes, that’s really the title of the show!

 ------[“title of the show”], Is a love letter to musical theatre. It is a “witty musical written by two struggling writers about two struggling writers writing a witty new musical”. The two struggling writers who wrote the show are Jeff Bowen (music and lyrics) and Hunter Bell (book). It is now in a bouncy production (24th season) at New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad under the direction of Desireé Clarke Miller with Kevin Blax Burroughs as movement consultant. 

Here’s the poop: The New York Musical Theatre Fest is just three weeks off. friends Jeff (Tommy Tran) and Hunter (Caleb Wohlgemuth) decide to enter the competition to write a musical. If they can pull of writing a new musical in just three weeks, and it is good enough to be accepted for the festival and then go on to make it on Broadway, they can leave their daytime jobs and become what they dreamed of becoming; successful musical theatre collaborators.  

After several phone calls back and forth about what to write, they decide to write a show about themselves writing a show about themselves. Everything they say is included in the show especially everything they say. At first, they question whether or not all of what they say should be included and decide that “Yes”, it should be included. 

They enlist their friends and co-stars Heidi and Susan. (Kylie Young and  Becca Myers). Heidi is in showbiz playing bit parts and gainfully employed for the most part. Susan is a talented and sharp musical theatre personality but is more than reticent to try out for new acting jobs so she hangs her star on this show and makes it to all the rehearsals. She has a full time day job as a secretary managing an office. 

Jeff and Hunter have day jobs as well but would like to abandon them for a full time Broadway career. The show progresses, they exchange ideas, leave voice mail messages about their ideas and when the four get together, rehearse the new musical numbers they have come up with. That’s when the fun and the talent kick in.

Kylie Young and Tommy Tran

The two struggling young writers playing the two struggling young writers (Tran and Wholgemuth) whose talents runs deep and their banter so natural, it’s hard not to believe in them. Their friends Susan and Heidi are less as collaborators and more, well, sidekicks who bring some diversity, talent, added background and drama to the whole scenario. 

Rounding out the cast is Erin Vanderhyde Gross  as Larry the musical director, straight man with all the talent necessary to be at the keys. He’s on stage throughout behind the keyboards but doesn’t get many lines because he’s ‘union’ and he’s not paid to tawlk. At one point Hunter asks him a question and gets the OK from Jeff, “We’ve worked it out with the union”. (Another inside nod to the differences between union and non-union contracts)

References to Broadway and New York fly back and forth as if everyone in the audience has the same knowledge. The reviews were great when the show premiered Off Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in 2006. Once you start moving away from the hub of the action though the references, some very trivial, (a reference to the song “Seasons of Love” from “Rent” came out of the blue from a numbers game they were singing about and a quickie from “Wicked”, Tavern on the Green, Shubert Alley) get somewhat fuzzy, some are dated and it takes a while to catch up with them.  

In one clever exchange when it was mentioned that the show would open at the Vineyard someone asks, “You mean Martha’s Vineyard?”  The show does tend to be self -indulgent and full of itself. But it is also clever and loaded with energy and edge. After all it is a love letter to musical theatre and it’s not the first to be written (“Kiss Me Kate”, “A Chorus Line”). More than a few of us probably ponder a behind the scenes look at the genesis of a Broadway Musical.

But get used to references, we do, because it is after all a musical about the making of a musical based on some successful musicals.

Kylie Young, Tommy Tran, Becca Myers and  Caleb Wholgemuth

Past and present musical theatre stars, some recognizable and some not so much are also included. In one such scene they sing a tribute to all the musical theatre flops. 

But as most shows go, and after about 12 unmemorable musical numbers, and after 90 minutes, they decide they just can’t keep writing everything forever and it's time to stop 

Lights!

Credit Atria Pirouzmand as set designer, Sammy Z Webster as Lighting designer and Nathan Waits as Stage manager, voice of Larry and Music technician. 

See you at the theatre.

Where: New Village Arts Theatre

 2787 State Street, Carlsbad Village 

Phone: 760.433.3245

Photo: Dupla Photography/Jason Sullivan

Runs: August 8 - September 21, 2025

Tickets start at $35!*

“A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER” IS TO DIE FOR …FOR SOME

North Coast Repertory Theatre is currently mounting “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”, with book by Robert L. Freedman, music by Steven Lutvak and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak. It’s  killer fun,  not to be missed. 

Based on the 1907 novel “Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal” by Roy Horniman that was later a movie, “Kind Heart and Coronets” starring Alec Guinness in 1949, it warns you that the show you are about to see is a tale of revenge and retribution and that blood may spill and spines may chill. 

You may think this is an updated version of “Sweeney Todd”, but you would be dead wrong. (“A Warning to the Audience”) 

Shinah Hey, Michael Cavinder, Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper, Jean Kauffman, and Andrew Hey

In fact, as deadly and bloody as is ‘Sweeney Todd’, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is just the opposite. “Guide” is as delicious as is a savory chocolate. But don’t be misled; this musical is not about our taste buds, it’s ‘murder by the numbers’ sans the blood and gore.

Katy Tang and Lauren Weinberg

The story is told in the beginning, in the first person from a prison cell, Monty( Andrew Polec) is writing his ‘true memoirs’ (“A Gentleman’s Guide…To Murder”). You guessed it, it was finally learned that he done it. He asks the prison barber whether or not the jury will find him guilty. The prison barber assures him that the ladies will definitely agree that he is innocent. It is the night before he is to be sentenced.  

Then with a blast of thunder and lightning, the tale begins to unfold as Monty steps back to relive his tale.

Andrew Polec and Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper

When Monty Navarro, our doe in the headlights murderer, learns that his beloved and now deceased mother was born a D’Ysquith but was disowned from the family fortune because of her marriage to Monty’s father, a Castilian, he sets a plan in motion to work himself right up there in line to the family castle (Highhurst) and his rightful fortune, er place, among them. (“You’re a D’Ysquith”. “You’re the son of the daughter of the grandson of the nephew of the 2nd Earl of Highhurst!”). 

You might ask, “What is a D’Ysquith?”(Pronounced DIE-skwith; nice play on words) Well... The D’Ysquith’s are a wealthy and influential English family who turn their collective noses down on anyone less than.  In this particular branch of the D’Ysquith’s there are eight in line waiting to be Earl and that would be the Eighth Earl of Highhurst, played by the  cunning Mongiardo-Cooper) with precision accuracy. 

Monty plans to break that streak by getting back at his long lost family for all their years of neglect.  Elimination is his sport and a well thought out process to that end is the game for Monty as he begins his quest for the Earldom and the D’Ysquith fortune.

Spurning him on with a vengeance is his knowledgeable paramour, Sibella Hallward (stunning Lauren Weinberg). “I Don’t Know What I’d Do Without You”. She  is more interested in marrying a man of means than a man she loves. He is also smitten with miss Phoebe D’Ysquith (Katy Tang) who innocently has eyes for Monty. Both Ms. Weinberg and Tang can knock a tune out of the theatre.

                           Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper and Andrew Polec

And so, begins the fun and carefully crafted practice of purging first one D’Ysquith and then another in a series of casual and rather innocent looking accidents:  one through an ice skating accident, one through a heart attack while lifting weights, one by bee stings, one by poison and the beat goes on. “Why Are All The D’Ysquith’s Dying?” 

Credit the talented set designer Marty Burnett for creating all the scene changes in the set within the set, and different locations and especially the three door slamming contest  between Monty and Phoebe and Monty and Sibella. 

Lauren Weinberg, Andrew Polec and Katy Tang

Freedman and Lutvak’s lyrics are so clever and witty that one can’t help secretly cheer Monty on waiting to see how his ingenious plotting puts him right up there in line for number one Earl. Polec’s Monty is naturally smooth, stylish and personally engaging especially for one with a mind intent on murder and a conscience devoid of any malpractice. (“Poison In My Pocket”) He fits the bill perfectly.

Right up there in the outstanding department is Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper as the entire D’Ysquith Family. And how does that happen, you might ask? He is a master of the dazzling quick costume change all designed and in perfect London upper class period pieces by Elsa Benzoni. And… as coached by dialect coach Vanessa Dinning, speaks well for both the men and the women in the family.

 Director Noelle Marion leaves no stone unturned with a talented ensemble including Michael Cavinder, Andrew Hay, Shinah Hey and Jean Kauffman.  And that’s not to say that only eight actors played all the major roles. 

Katy Tang, Nicholas Mongiardo-Cooper, Andrew Polec, Lauren Weinberg

(Back row) Shinah Hay, Michael Cavinder,  Andrew Hay, Jean Kauffman

Musical director Daniel Lincoln and his musicians, Jennifer Williams, Amy Kalat  and Katrina Earl played a critical role in bringing this musical comedy to the audience’s collective feet at the conclusion of the show.

Luke Harvey Jacobs choreographed, Chris Leussman is responsible for the sound, Matthew Novotny, the lighting both coming from off stage make complete this lively tongue in cheek comedy.  Peter Hermann designed the wigs and props are designed by Audrey Casteris. 

From an audience point of view, one almost forgets that we are dealing in murder, but it’s oh so delectable. 

North Coast Rep. deserves a five star review for an undertaking as large as this and doing it so flawlessly. 

And in case you were wondering, this show went to Broadway, after it premiered at the Old Globe, in 2013 and ran for three years, then starring our own UCSD graduate Jeffrey Mays as all the D'Ysquith's 

Now back in San Diego, it’s a must see. 

See you at the theatre.

Enjoy. 

When:  Runs through Aug. 17th. 

7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Where: North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach

Photo: Aaron Rumley

Tickets: $62-$84

Phone: 858-481-1055

Online: northcoastrep.org