Review: A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, The Grand Story of Monty

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER- MUSICAL

What would you do to live the luxurious life that was meant to be yours? How about purposely not helping a man who is on the verge of falling from a very steep chapel? Or how about replacing a fake gun prop of a play with a real gun? The story of how Monty Navarro creatively and swiftly gets rid of his relatives in order to achieve the "rags to riches" dream is not only extremely comedic but creative. The winner of Best Musical of the 68th Tony Awards, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER had its first Asian production at Hongik University Daehangno Art Center Grand Theater located in Seoul, Korea on November 9th and has enchanted the audience ever since.

When it was officially announced that A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER would be made into a Korean production, excitement buzzed not only because it was unexpected but also because everybody was curious who would be cast as the original cast of the Korean production.

For the role of the ambitious main character, Monty Navarro, Kim Dongwan, Yoo Yeonseok, and Suh Kyungsoo were cast. For the role of the D'Ysquith Family, Oh Manseok, Han Jisang, and Lee Gyuhyung were cast. This role is very complicated in that the actor has to perform nine different characters with all different voices and acting. The woman filled with intoxicating charm, Sibella Hallward was portrayed by Lim Soha and the wise wife of Monty, Pheobe D'Ysquith, Kim Asun was cast. Also for the minor but important role of Miss Marietta Shingle is portrayed by Kim Hyeonjin. The ensemble consists of Yoon Jiyoung, Jang Yaewon, Sunwoo, Yoon Nari, Yoon Jeongryeol, Kim Seongyong, and Hwang Dohyeon.

Overall, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER was a very pleasant show to watch. The translations of lyrics and book were smooth and the actors' portrayal of the characters was on point. There were many lines which incorporated popular catchphrases that led for the audience to laugh at several points. Especially for the show I watched, the two actors who played Monty and the D'Ysquith Family were already experienced in performing with each other, so their combination was very smooth and they added several impromptu jokes which showed how comfortable they were with performing each other. One of the scenes that really stood out was the number, 'I've Decided to Marry You," which is the same scene that was performed at the Tony Awards. Not only was the translation good but the acting was really comedic and clearly showed the complicated situation that Monty was in, but also how much he was enjoying the love that he was receiving.

Thinking of the show in a big picture, the most astonishing technique that was used were the video effects. They were so cleverly used, and even though there were no changes in the set, because the video effects were so realistic and intricate in detail, that they added much realism to the show. Sometimes, there are cases when the videos become an obstacle, blocking the concentration of the audience, however in the case of A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER; they were a perfect and the most necessary addition.

A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER was a show that was really relaxing to watch. The storyline was not that complicated and the comedy was not too exaggerated. Though there were some parts of the show that seemed a bit racist, other than that, the musical was an amazing piece of work to just enjoy and absorb all the contents without pondering too much.

The comedic and brilliant story of Monty and his attempt to reach for the riches end on January 27th. Tickets start at 66,000 KRW and can be purchased at www.globalinterpark.com or at the box office. Do not forget to check the homepage for additional discount information or the cast for each show.

For more information, please visit www.globalinterpark.com.

Photo Credit: News I Am

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