Murder is no laughing matter, unless watching “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder” which runs through Sunday at Des Moines Civic Center.
“Gentleman’s Guide” tells the story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to the D’Ysquith family fortune and title. Navarro, played by Kevin Massey, quickly devises a plan to remove the eight heirs that stand between him and a family fortune.
“He starts to knock them off one by one and gain confidence,” Navarro said of his character. “He really comes into his own and it is a great journey. The audience starts to root for Monty because his family is so awful.”
Massey co-stars with John Rapson, who plays all eight roles of the D’Ysquith family who are knocked off one-by-one during the show. With eight characters to target, Massey said audiences should watch for scenes between Navaro and two of his favorite characters portrayed by Rapson.
“I enjoy his Henry, a bee keeper. That is a fun scene, everyone enjoys that scene,” Massey said. “And Ezekial, a pastor who loves the Communion wine a little too much. He really sets the show.”
“Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder” is based on the 1907 book “Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal” and opened on Broadway in November 2013. The show wrapped up its Broadway run in January after winning four Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2014. If that is not enough of a reason to see the show, Massey said “Gentleman’s Guide” is a witty play with bawdy moments, amazing costumes and a wonderfully talented cast.
“I’ve been constantly told one of the best nights of theater you’ll have. It’s not a big heavy play, it’s just come and have fun,” Massey said. “People should come see it early in the week because once you see it you will want to see it again.”
The cast of “Gentleman’s Guide” will take the stage 7:30 p.m. through Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets for the latest installment of the Willis Broadway series are available starting at $35 each at DesMoinesPerforming Arts.org, the Civic Center Ticket office or by calling 800-745-3000.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to Des Moines and spending some time there,” Massey said. “And I’m really happy we are bringing this show to Iowa. It’s expensive to get to New York or Chicago, so really happy to bring it to people. This is really a top notch show and have no bones about recommending it to anyone even if I was not in the show.”