Theatre Review by my mom, Jeanne Deller:

The 5th Avenue Theatre scores again with A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, reminiscent of so many beloved British whodunits. Seattleites can catch this romping, fast-paced musical comedy—winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical—now through July 31st.

Perfectly cast, every player in this how-to-orchestrate-multiple-murders farce charms the audience throughout the show. While the audience is immediately savvy to motive and murderer, the real mystery is in the murder methods. John Rapson’s portrayal of multiple victims is zany, highly energetic, and wildly talented, while Kevin Massey cunningly plays Monty Navarro.

Orchestration was perfection with all voices, sound devices, amplification finely tuned. Above all other antics and songs, the number “I’ve Decided to Marry You” with Kevin Massey, Kristen Beth Williams (as Sibella), and Adrienne Eller (as Phoebe) brought the house down.

Many lavish sets-within-a-set were beautiful, cleverly designed, and highly entertaining. Keep an eye on engaging mailboxes and other clever devices. Arrive early enough to glean detail and fun facts from The 5th’s Encore program to add another dimension to “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.”

Tickets here.

Photos by Joan Marcus.