UWF stages $22 musical on inheritance murder

The University of West Florida Department of Theatre will open its fall season on Friday, Nov. 6, with a production of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” The musical comedy runs through Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Besser Studio Theatre in the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

The plot centers on Monty Navarro, a young man who learns he is ninth in line for an earldom and a large family fortune. Faced with low odds of outliving the eight men ahead of him, he takes action to secure his inheritance. The story includes romantic subplots involving characters named Phoebe and Sibella.

Sara Schoch, an associate professor and head of the BFA Musical Theatre program, directs the production. The creative team includes Constance R. Smith for scenic design and Elise Klein, a UWF student, who serves as assistant designer and scenic charge artist. Student Drew McCrary handles lighting design.

Tickets are priced to remain accessible for the local community and the student body. General admission costs $22 for adults. Senior citizens and active military members pay $18. Non-UWF students, faculty, and staff pay $16. Children and high school students pay $9. UWF students enter for free using their ArgoCard.

Performances are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Patrons can purchase tickets at the CFPA Box Office in Building 82, by calling 850.857.6285, or online at uwf.edu/cfpa. The show is based on the 1907 novel “Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal” by Roy Horniman.

The production features book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak. It is licensed by Music Theatre International. Senior Annaleese Fraser, who designs the costumes, noted that the show features many moving pieces and silly moments. She described herself as excited to see the elements come together.

The venue notes that latecomers will not be admitted until intermission due to the seating arrangement. The production contains adult situations and subject matter, so it may not be appropriate for all audiences.