Rehearsal picture for Reston Community Players’ ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder:’ Aaron Paige as Monty Navarro in a love triangle between Sibella (AnnaBelle Lowe at left) and Phoebe (Holly Kelly at right). Photo by Jennifer Heffner Photography/Courtesy Reston Community Players
Opening its 53rd season, the Reston Community Players (RCP) are presenting, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” The 2014 Tony-Award winner combines murder with comedy and music.
“A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder” retains a classic aesthetic but with humor that is modern and relevant,” said Rich Farella, director. “The show spoofs every stereotypical character of Victorian British high society. In doing so, it spoofs our current society…a show brimming with silliness and wit.”
Set in London in 1907, “Gentleman’s Guide” focuses on the low-born Monty Navarro, who suddenly learns that he’s ninth in line for an earldom in the lofty D’Ysquith family and sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm…and a dash of murder. Then again murder isn’t the only thing on Monty’s mind. What about love too?
“The primary conceit of ‘Gentleman’s Guide’ is that all 8 of the D’Ysquiths are played by one actor. I am super excited to have one actor play all these roles as it not only showcases the talent of an actor but heightens the comedy.”
Leading the cast of “Gentleman’s Guide” are Aaron Paige in the lead role of Monty Navarro and Patrick Graham, who portrays all eight members of the D’Ysquith Family. Joining them are AnnaBelle Lowe, Holly Kelly, and Sara C. Watson. Ensemble members include Julia A. Braxton, Maura Lacy, Jolene Vettese, Brandon Steele, Joey Olson, Jake Lefler and James P. Maxted.
The nearly two dozen musical numbers are led by musical director Blakeman Brophy. Choreography is by Paige Wakefield with Dan Remmers, set designer.
For Paige, “Monty Navarro is hero, villain, lover, prankster all at the same time. I am honored to be able to develop this character amongst so many talented colleagues.”
Graham, who plays all eight members of the D'Ysquith Family, said, “This show is so funny and smart. Being the D’Ysquith Family is such a personal challenge. Taking on so many roles and developing these strange and unique characters is like being on a bullet train. Once it takes off there no stopping!”
Get ready for the Reston Community Player’s "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.”
“I want the audience to come away from this show with a smile on their face, impressed with not only the comedy but also the vocal talents of our cast,” said Farella.
Where and When
Reston Community Players present “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” at Reston Community Center’s CenterStage, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Performances: Oct. 18-19, Oct. 25-27, Nov. 1-3, and Nov. 8-9, 2019 at 8 p.m. With 2 p.m. matinees on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 2019. For tickets, call 703-476-4500 or online at www.restonplayers.org. Note: CenterStage is accessible and offers listening devices for the hearing impaired.