Theatre Review: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder with Lincoln Theatre Company

By TJ Fassler​

Full disclosure: this is a show I’ve very much been looking forward to seeing done in the area again after seeing a fabulous production with Davis Shakespeare quite a few years ago and LTC did not disappoint. There was a unique use of the space, wonderful costumes, and magnificent performances. For some quick context, the show conducts itself like a classical piece of Victorian theatre from its appearance, plot, and song styles, but upends that notion with some contemporary wit and clever lyrics. 

As for the space, there was an added constructed proscenium that decreased the width of the stage, but added side exits on either side of it as well as narrowing the focus on the projections that were used very well throughout. It is a small cast show in any case, so it really helped the space feel like it was being used fully. The projections were a lot of fun and supported the story. I was particularly impressed with the silhouette for the Lady’s journeys overseas and chuckled as the final “curtain” fell. Costumes were appropriately period as well as looking superb. And kudos to the music direction as the show sounded great from the ensemble start down to trios, duets, and solos.

The ensemble did a great job providing energy and highlighting focus in the moments they were on stage. They also played various integral side characters throughout. Lucinda Otto in particular had a standout scene as the mistress for one of the D’Ysquiths. Tea Hanks as Marietta Shingle did a great job on taking her moments when not speaking and really drawing focus, often in a humorous manner. Jack Fidler stepped into what might be one of the most demanding roles playing nearly ten different D’Ysquith family members and added great vocal variety and sounded so good in his songs. 

I was completely blown away by the shared performance and chemistry of the trio: Kanai Kalama, Payton Rose, and Duckie Linares as Monty, Sibella, and Phoebe respectively. They genuinely each provided distinct physicality and great vocal variety. They carried themselves with confidence (even when their characters were not) that came through timing and bold choices. They each sounded beautiful on their own and brought the house down in their trio, “I’ve Decided to Marry You.” Can’t say enough good things about their work in this show.

The show opened this weekend and runs until September 28. I recommend catching it if you can, not only is it a show you might not have a chance to see somewhere else, but you’re catching a pretty darned good version of it as well. Tickets and info at: https://www.lincolntheatrecompany.org/tickets

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