A Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder - Original Broadway Cast Recording

"A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder" is currently enjoying a Broadway run at the Walter Kerr Theatre, and Ghostlight Records has just released the soundtrack album.

Based on the Roy Horniman novel "Israel Rank," and the Alec Guinness film "Kind Hearts and Coronets," this killer musical from librettist Robert Freedman and composer / lyricist Steven Lutvak follows the exploits of Monty Navarro (Bryce Pinkham) after he discovers that he is ninth in line to become the Earl of Highhurst. The gentleman subsequently stumbles on a plot to fast-track his royal ascension, and one by one disposes of those who stand in his way (all portrayed by that acting chameleon, Jefferson Mays, who won the Tony award for his multi-character portrayal in "I Am My Own Wife").

Lutvak's score, orchestrated by Jonathan Tunick, is full of witty lyrics and upbeat timbres, allowing the entire cast to be featured throughout the murderous tale. Lisa O'Hare plays Navarro's conceited mistress, who finds Monty attractive, yet beneath her standards, while Lauren Wortham is his fianc�e, creating a humorous love triangle both initially and ultimately.

Mays proves himself an adequate singer, but his true strength lies in his hilarious characterizations, both male and female, young and old, which keep the plot from venturing into the mundane.

A 40-page booklet containing all the lyrics, a synopsis written by Freedman, and liner notes from critic David Cote, are all provided in the physical disc, and contribute to an entertaining musical that even though it is not deep in its artistic message, provides an entertaining listen.

"A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder (OBCR)"
Jefferson Mays, Bryce Pinkham, Robert Freedman, Steven Lutvak
CD and digital formats
Ghostlight Records