A man sits in a rotting jail cell, preparing for his execution. With no one to keep him company, he begins writing his memoirs in a journal, relaying a musical tale of romance, comedy and murder.
Southeast Texas Stages (formerly Beaumont Community Players) opens its 2024-25 season with “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” through Oct. 6.
Monty Navarro’s life is turned upside down when a mysterious woman shows up to his apartment to tell him he is a descendant of the aristocratic D’Ysquith family and ninth in line to the Earl of Highhurst. After looking through his recently deceased mother’s box of letters, Monty, played by Andrew Gautreaux, learns she was disinherited by the family for marrying for love, rather than status.
Monty attempts to contact the family and is initially rejected, but he is determined for them to acknowledge his existence. After letting the Reverend Lord Ezekiel D’Ysquith (Bryan Buzbee) fall to his death from the bell tower, Navarro’s murderous spree officially begins.
An entertaining montage follows as Monty seeks to move up the line of inheritance. Eventually, Monty is hired by the head of the D’Ysquith bank and is able to hash out his plans from the inside.
Along the way, Monty struggles with resolving his romantic feelings, having to choose between his past lover from humble beginnings or a woman of the wealthy family.
The cast is spectacular with many moments leaving the audience howling with laughter. Buzbee plays all of the D’Ysquith family members through a series of quick changes, and each character has their own mannerisms and flair. Sibella (Alyssa Bain) and Phoebe (Alexandria Lewis) are Monty’s love interests. Both actors have incredible expressions and singing voices. The audience understands their perspectives and sympathizes with them.
The songs are catchy and really move the story along. While the show is very much a comedy first, the songs are dramatic and serve to ramp up the tension of the plot.
Gautreaux plays Monty well and carries the character’s emotions on his sleeve. When Monty joins a tour of the D’Ysquithe castle, he is as giddy and overawed as the other tourists, which punches a hole in his self-serious facade. Pam Raney-Jackson’s Miss Shingle is mysterious and charming. Her character serves to drive the story forward, but there’s more to her role than one expects — truly “the last one you’d expect.”
The ensemble brings so much life to the show and have many golden moments. For example, in the beginning, they perform a song warning audience members “of weaker constitution” to turn back while they still can.
The set is an incredible touch, with two rotating platforms, along with a curtain in the middle with constantly changing set pieces. All the designers involved clearly worked hard to bring the story to life and immerse the audience. Director Sean McBride keeps the action moving among the many set pieces and quick changes.
“A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder” is an entertaining show filled with gaffs and tension. Will Monty Navarro-D’Ysquithe get away with his crimes and become the earl? Get yourself a ticket and find out.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Sept. 26, 27, 28, and Oct. 4 and 5, with matinees at 2 p.m., Sept. 28 and 3 p.m., Oct. 6. Southeast Texas Stages is located at 4155 Laurel Ave. in Beaumont. For tickets, visit beaumontstages.com.