UWF Theatre Stages Comedy About Inheriting a Title Through Deception
The production of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” opens November 6 in the Besser Studio Theatre.
By Kwame Silva ·
The University of West Florida Department of Theatre will open its season with a production of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” on Friday, Nov. 6. The show, which runs through Sunday, Nov. 15, plays in the Besser Studio Theatre located within the Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
The musical follows Monty Navarro, a young man who learns he is ninth in line to inherit an earldom. After his mother dies, Monty realizes the odds of him surviving the other heirs are low. He decides to accelerate the succession process to claim the family fortune. The story is based on the 1907 novel “Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal” by Roy Horniman. The stage adaptation was written by Robert L. Freedman, with music by Steven Lutvak.
Associate professor Sara Schoch directs the production. She also heads the BFA Musical Theatre program at the university. The creative team includes several current students. Constance R. Smith handles scenic design, with Elise Klein serving as assistant design and scenic charge artist. Annalesse Fraser designs the costumes, while Drew McCrary manages the lighting.
Annalesse Fraser expressed enthusiasm for the project in a statement. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to design such a fun musical! This show features a lot of moving pieces and silly moments, and I am beyond excited to see it all come together!” she said. The performance schedule includes shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Ticket prices vary by audience member. General admission for adults costs $22. Senior citizens and active military personnel pay $18. Non-UWF students and UWF faculty and staff pay $16. Children and high school students pay $9. UWF students can enter free with their ArgoCard.
Tickets are sold at the CFPA Box Office in Building 82, by phone at 850.857.6285, or online at uwf.edu/cfpa. The theatre notes that the show contains adult situations and subject matter that may not suit all audiences. Because of the studio seating arrangement, latecomers are not admitted until the intermission break.
