MNfusion: 'Gentleman's Guide' Is Cheeky, Mischievous Fun

One of my biggest frustrations with modern musicals is that there doesn't seem to be any originality any more.

While that may not be a completely fair statement to make, after all it's near impossible to find a theme that has never been explored in any medium, I find that so many of the shows that make it to the stage are just musical versions of a beloved movie or a remake of an older show.

It is also not fair to aim this complaint only at the stage, as television and movies have followed suit. But it does seem to be more prolific on the stage.

However, every now and then a show comes along and provides audience distinctive characters, a unique twist and fresh music.

To argue my point further, if done well these same shows almost always get rewarded for their efforts.

As was the case with "A Gentleman's Guide To Love & Murder."

A delightful, humorous tale of love and revenge, the 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical was quirky, fun and original.

Set in the 1900s, the musical tells the story of Monty Navarro. Navarro is a poor man who learns upon his mother's death that he is a D'Ysquith, a royal family in England. Navarro is ninth in line to become earl, but this fact is not acknowledged by the D'Ysquith family for they disowned his mother when she married his father.

In efforts to get a better job, so that he may marry the woman of his dreams, Navarro reaches out to the D'Ysquith family only to be met with rebuff.

In anger and revenge, Navarro decides to kill all of those in line before him so he is the only one left to take the Earldom.

As part of its national tour, the show is stopping in Minneapolis for a five day stretch.

John Rapson shined as the entire D'Ysquith family. Rapson took on nine D'Ysquith family members, and each was played with a distinctive and humorous flair.

From the goofy Reverend Lord Ezekial D'Ysquith, who loved the flying buttresses of his church, to the flamboyant Henry D'Ysquith, each had quirks, voices and movements specific to their persona. Rapson did a magnificent job managing identities during quick changes and songs of all ranges.

His boisterous characters were balanced well with Kevin Massey's Monty Navarro.

Massey played a cunning Navarro, and transitioned from a shy, soft-spoken man to a confident, sultry leader by the end.

Adrienne Eller played a beautifully, quirky, naïve Pheobe and held her own among Rapson's ever-changing person and Massey's plotting.

All together, the cast created a funny, dark, odd world full of colorful personalities and witty banter.

For those who enjoy lyrical ballads and sweeping love stories, this admittedly is not the musical for you. And, it does seem to drag a bit at the end, with the majority of the action taking place in Act 1. For these reasons, some have questioned its accolades, noting that the show doesn't include any sweeping musical number.

But I believe it deserves every award and nomination it received.

Comedic musicals are difficult to do well, and this show combined a cast of cheeky characters, ridiculous dialogue and witty songs that are entertaining and fun.

While I am aware that this is not an entirely new theme, the musical was done well and originally.

"A Gentleman's Guide To Love & Murder" is playing now through Jan. 10 at the State Theater. Tickets cost $39 to $134. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Hennepin Theatre Trust online.