Original Broadway Production Produced by Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, John Johnson
50 Church Street Productions, Joan Raffe & Jhett Tolentino, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Catherine & Fred Adler, Rhoda Herrick, Kathleen K. Johnson, Megan Savage, ShadowCatcher Entertainment, Ron Simons, True Love Productions, Jamie deRoy, Four Ladies & One Gent, John Arthur Pinckard, Greg Nobile, Stewart Lane & Bonnie Comley
Exeter Capital/Ted Snowdon, Ryan Hugh Mackey, Cricket-CTM Media/Mano-Horn Productions, Dennis Grimaldi/Margot Astrachan, Hello Entertainment/Jamie Bendell
Michael T. Cohen/Joe Sirola, Joseph & Carson Gleberman/William Megevick and Green State Productions
In association with The Hartford Stage and The Old Globe Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Vocal Arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell & Steven Lutvak
Director & Choreographer
Adam Cates
Music Director
Nico Rhodes
Set Designer
Ryan Howell
Based on original costume design by Linda Cho
Stage Manager
Paul Pembleton
Lighting Designer
Jeff JohnstonCollins
Assistant Stage Manager
Nadene Riehl
The Company
(in alphabetical order)
Ellen Denny
Eddie Glen
Daniel Greenberg
Elena Howard-Scott
Amanda Leigh
Michael-Lamont Lytle
Sound Designer
Allan McMillan
Apprentice Stage Manager Lyrie Murad
Charlotte Moore
Tyler Murree
Powell Nobert
Sarah O’Brecht
Karen Wood
A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER was developed, in part, at the 2006 Sundance Institute Theatre Lab at the Sundance Resort with continuing Post-Lab Support through its initiative with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.
Musical Numbers
Act One
Prologue: A Warning to the Audience ..............................................................................Company You’re a D’Ysquith......................................................................................Miss Shingle and Monty
I Don’t Know What I’d Do Without You..................................................................................Sibella Foolish to Think.....................................................................................................................Monty A Warning to Monty..................................................................................................The Ancestors
I Don’t Undertand the Poor........................................................Lord Adalbert and The Ancestors Foolish to Think (Reprise)...................................................................Monty and Reverand Ezekial Poison in My Pocket.................................................Monty, Asquith Jr., Miss Barley and Ensemble Poor Monty..........................................................................................Sibella and her Bridesmaids Better With a Man................................................................................................Henry and Monty Inside Out..........................................................................................................Phoebe and Monty Lady Hyacinth Abroad............................................................Lady Hyacinth, Monty and Ensemble The Last One You’d Expect................................................................................................Company
ACT TWO
Why Are All the D’Ysquiths Dying?.............................................................................The Mourners Why are All the D’Ysquiths Dying (Reprise)..................................Lord Adalbert and the Mourners Sibella....................................................................................................................................Monty I’ve Decided to Marry You......................................................................Phoebe, Sibella and Monty Final Warning...........................................................................................Monty and the Ancestors Poison in My Pocket (Reprise).........................................................................Monty and Company Barrel of a Gun....................................................................................Lord Adalbert and Company Stop! Wait! What?!........................................................................................Monty and Inspector That Horrible Woman........................................... Sibella, Phoebe, Inspector, Magistrate & Guard Finale................................................................................................................................ Company
Attending the theatre
A Gentleman always powers down their mobile device lest they be tempted to text or tweet.
A Gentleman never chats during the performance (unless they have something glowing to say about it).
A Gentleman always offers to buy their compamion a treat at intermission.
A Gentleman would never kick the seat of the audience member in front of them (unless of course it’s deserved).
A Gentleman refrains from snapping photographs during the performance (everyone knows actors are shy).
A Gentleman always stands to let other theatregoers seated in their row pass by (tripping them is optional).
the cast
(in alphabetical order)
Ellen Denny (Phoebe D’Ysquith)
Drayton Entertainment: Steel Magnolias, Mary’s Wedding, Brighton Beach Memoirs. Other theatre (selected): Maria in Sound of Music (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Red Velvet (Crow’s Theatre), Phoebe in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (Stage West), Life After (Canadian Stage/Musical Stage), Eliza in My Fair Lady (Capitol Theatre Port Hope), Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike (Manitoba Theatre Centre/Mirvish), Belle in Beauty & Beast (Neptune Theatre), Anne in Anne & Gilbert (National Arts Centre). Also a playwright, Ellen’s work has been produced by Neptune Theatre, The Guild Charlottetown, and Here For Now Theatre, and has streamed on STRATFEST@HOME. Enjoy the (murderous) show!
Eddie Glen (MAN #3)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Kiss Me, Kate, It Runs in the Family, The 39 Steps, Spamalot, Les Misérables, Man of La Mancha, Little Me. Other theatre (selected): Spamalot, Music Man, Moby Dick (Stratford Festival); The Rocky Horror Show (CanStage, Dora Nomination). West End Theatre (selected): Miss Saigon (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (London Palladium). Eddie has also starred in over 20 Ross Petty Productions at The Elgin Theatre. Film/TV (selected): Odd Squad, Murdoch Mysteries, The Firm. Eddie lends his voice to numerous animated series and has been “The Voice” of YTV for the last 27 years. Thank you to friends and family and T.H. for all the support. One day at a time!
Daniel Greenberg (Montague “Monty” Navarro)
Drayton Entertainment: A Few Good Men (2020 & 2024), Disney’s Newsies. Other Theatre (selected): Prayer for the French Republic (Segal Centre), Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (WJT), The Last 5 Years (YPG), The Little Mermaid, All Shook Up (Globe), Legally Blonde, The Addams Family (Neptune), I Love You... Now Change (Stage West), Hairspray (Rainbow), and Queen and Ben Elton’s We Will Rock You (1st NA Tour). Film/TV: Ginny & Georgia (Netflix), Accused (FOX), Reign (CW), Hardcore Heores (History). He thanks Drayton Entertainment and the Gentleman’s Guide team, TH, Ky, and YRG. Gratitude to you for being here. Enjoy!
Elena Howard-Scott (Sibella Hallward)
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Loose. Other theatre/opera: The Handmaid’s Tale (Banff Centre); Dialogues des Carmélites, Flight (RCM); Narnia (BadHats/MTYP); Strike!, Beauty and the Beast, Ring of Fire (Rainbow Stage); A Little Night Music (Koerner Hall). Film/TV: Love in the Alps, Secret Ingredient (Hallmark); Burden of Truth (CBC/CW); TimeCut (ACE). Hailing from Winnipeg, Elena is an opera and musical theatre performer based in Toronto. Grateful to the DAM team, family, and friends for their unwavering support. “Enjoy the show - thank you for laughing with us!” Visit: elenahowardscott.com.
Amanda Leigh (Woman #3)
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Roof, It Runs in the Family, Beauty and the Beast, Man of La Mancha, Out of Order, One For the Pot, Sister Act, Anne of Green Gables, Oliver, Blood Brothers, Evita, A Flea in Her Ear. UK credits: Cosette in Les Miserables, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, Doris in Gay Divorce, Beyond the Barricade. Amanda proudly recieved her BFA in Music Theatre from the University of Windsor. Save the University Players! Amanda is thrilled to be a part of this company of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. She is thankful for the endless love and support of TR, her friends, and her family.
Michael-Lamont Lytle (Man #2)
Drayton Entertainment: A Few Good Men, Kinky Boots. Other theatre (selected): The Full Monty (Neptune Theatre); Jesus Christ Superstar (Talk is Free Theatre); The First Stone (Eastern Front Theatre); Dixon Road (Musical Stage Company); The Color Purple (Citadel Theatre/ RMTC); Sister Act (Mayfield Theatre); Ain’t Misbehavin (Segal Centre); Elf (The Grand Theatre); 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Western Canada Theatre); War and Peace (Canadian Opera Company); Dreamgirls (Theatre Aquarius); Chicago (Les Productions Juste Pour Rire); The Lion King/Beauty and The Beast (Disney Canada). Film/TV: What We Do In Shadows (FX); Madam CJ Walker (Netflix); Suits (USA Networks); Stormy Weather (Rombus Films); Sing (TRI-STAR Pictures). Michael-Lamont dedicates this and all performances to his mother Barbara Jean Lytle and his husband D’Arcy McLenaghen for their unwavering love and support.
Charlotte Moore (Miss Shingle)
Drayton Entertainment: Mrs. Johnstone in Blood Brothers, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Damn Yankees, Marathon of Hope, Footloose, Hairspray, Honk, Carousel, Lucky Stiff. Other theatre (selected): Mamma Rose in Gypsy (Neptune Theatre); three iconic productions of Cabaret, three seasons at the Shaw Festival, 12 production of Anne of Green Gables, a Dora Award for The Rocky Horror Show, and a Dora Nomination for Sunday In The Park With George. Many concerts, including Follies at Koerner Hall, and one-woman shows like All Sondheim at The Jazz Bistro and Friends of Mine - Songs From Canadian Musicals at Theatre Aquarius, as well as many world premieres of original Canadian work. Recordings: Stan Rogers - A Matter of Heart, and three solo albums: Friends of Mine, Long Road Back, and Some Comfort Here, available on all platforms. Charlotte is also the proud winner of the 2024 Slaight Family Legacy Award. Visit charlottemoore.ca.
Tyler Murree (D’Ysquith Family)
Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Selected Theatre: The D’Ysquiths family in a Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Stage West Calgary) Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Performance in a Musical, Les Misérables (Broadway and Mirvish), Lord of the Rings: the Musical, Dirty Dancing (Mirvish), Timon in The Lion King (N.A. tour), Discovering Allan Sherman (Harold Green Jewish Theatre). Film/TV: FUBAR, Titans (Netflix), The Institue (MGM), Murdoch Mysteries, Kim’s Convenience (CBC), In The Dark (CBS), The Love Club (Hallmark), The Hardy Boyz (Amazon), Generation Wolf (indie). Tyler dedicates this performance to his friend and agent, Shari Quallenberg from AMI. Thanks for everything, Shar!
Powell Nobert (Man #1)
Drayton Entertainment: Peter Pan: The Panto. Other theatre: Men Express Their Feelings (25th Street Theatre), The Wild Rovers, Let’s Dance Workshop (Terra Bruce Productions), Ride the Cyclone, Mamma Mia! (Tweed and Company), Cats, Theory of Relativity, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (St. Lawrence College). Powell is a graduate of St. Lawrence College and wants to thank his family, closest friends, colleagues, and professors for guiding him on his artistic journey. Instagram: @powellpuffgurls.
Sarah O’Brecht (Woman #1)*
Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Other theatre: All I want for Christmas, 1979 (TNB); Noises Off, Mamma Mia! (Neptune); Anne of Green Gables, Mamma Mia!, Alice Through the Looking Glass (Charlottetown); Jersey Boys, Chicago (Stage West); Guys and Dolls (Segal Centre); Assistant Director for Beauty and the Beast (Globe) and Lucy Maud & Anne (Smile). Sarah was the Apprentice Artistic Director fo The Musical Stage Co. from 2022-2024. Film/TV: Mother of Invention, Lady Darb, Adulting, Good Witch, Warehouse 13. Co-Founder & Co-Artistic Director of Theatre Making Movement. Endless gratitude to Adam. Love to Mike, Teddy & Max. Visit: sarahobrecht.com | Instagram: @sarahobrecht.
*Dance Captain
Karen Wood (Woman #2)
Drayton Entertainment: Steel Magnolias, Halfway There, Sweet Delilah Swim Club, All Shook Up, Ladies Foursome, Too Many Cooks, Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, Perfect Wedding, See How They Run, Oliver!, Damn Yankees, Vaudeville. Other theatre: Danny and Delilah (Foster Festival); The Birds and the Bees (Lighthouse/STC); James and the Giant Peach (YPT); Addams Family (Neptune Theatre). Karen was directed by George F. Walker in his play The Ravine (LTP). Karen spent eight seasons at the Stratford Festival and 10 seasons at the Shaw Festival. She was dramatic coach at the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy.
the creative team
Adam Cates (Director & Choreographer)
Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Broadway/National Tour associate: Anastasia, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Anything Goes (w/ Sutton Foster & Joel Grey), Doctor Dolittle (W/ Tommy Tune), The Wizard of Oz. Lincoln Centre: Hansel & Gretel, Babes in Toyland, Prokofiev’s Cinderella. Regional Theatre: Syracuse Stage, Santa Fe Opera, Hartford Stage, Theatre Under the Stars, Gulfshore Playhouse, Julliard Opera, Music Theatre Wichita, Arkansas Rep, Memphis Playhouse on the Square, Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Anchroage Opera, Theatre Asepn, Bard Music Festival, Goodspeed, Paper Mill Playhouse, The Old Globe, Seattle Opera. Film/TV: 90210, Live from Lincoln Center. Co-author: The World According to Snoopy. Adam holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts and is presently the Director of Community Engagement for Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno, NV. In loving memory of Peggy Hickey. Visit adamcates.com or follow on Instagram @adamcnyc.
Nico Rhodes (Music Director)
Drayton Entertainment: Rock of Ages, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, Anne of Green Gables. Between his own film music company (over 400 compositions), writing musicals (five to date), directing several local choirs, touring internationally with his hit duo-piano comedy show Piano Heist, collaborating with Juno award-winning artists, arranging for big band, symphony orchestras, choirs, brass quintets and more, Nico enjoys studying Japanese, knitting, playing chess and learning new instruments (14 to date). Much thanks to Alex and to his wife for her unrelenting support.
Ryan Howell (Set Designer)
Drayton Entertainment (Scenic Designer): Debut. Off-Broadway: Atalanta (Juilliard School); Pretty Hunger, Teenage Dick (The Public Theater); Adoration of the Old Woman (INTAR). Regional: A Few Good Men, School Girls: Or The African Mean Girls Play (Pittsburgh Public): Lights Out: Nat King Cole (The Geffen); Loving vs. Virgina (Williamstown): Ain’t Misbehavin’, Grease, Altar Boyz (The Cape Playhouse); Fiddler on the Roof (North Shore Music Theater); Little Shop of Horrors (ACT of CT); The Magic Flute (Opera Theatre St.Louis): Ariadne Aux Naxos (Cincinnati Opera); Idomeneo (WolfTrap Opera). Broadway (Associate*/Assistant^): Latin History for Morons^, Eclipsed^, Hadestown^, Paradise Square^. Film/TV (Asst. Art Director): HBO/Succession (S3/4); Showtime/Three Women (S1). Website: www.ryanhowell.com / Instagram: @ryanhowell.
Jeff JohnstonCollins (Lighting Designer)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Lights: Show Stoppers! (1998), Me & My Girl (1999), Dads, the Musical (2001), Twist & Shout (2005), Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll (2007), Miss Saigon (2007), Dance Legends (2010), Spamalot (2013), Canadian Legends (2015), Rock of Ages (2017), Million Dollar Quartet (2017), Mamma Mia! (2022). Technical Director/Lights: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Camelot (North American Tours). For over 30 years, I have created set & lighting designs for theatres across Canada, toured numerous productions, and operated a scene shop in my hometown of Hamilton. Thank you to the entire Drayton Family for creating the magic of live Theatre. Love and thanks to the light of my life, my wife Susan for her constant support and encouragement. Enjoy!
Allan McMillan (Sound Designer)
Drayton Entertainment: Evita, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, Twist and Shout, Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Rock of Ages. For over 35 years Allan has been “rattling” about in theatres in Ontario in various technical positions, from Technical Direction, Production Management, Lighting Design, Carpentry, and of course, Audio. Allan came to Drayton Entertainment in 2013 from Stage West Mississauga. Allan looks forward to having another go at some of the above and to the new challenges each season brings.
Sarah O’Brecht (Assistant Choreographer)
Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Other theatre: Assistant Director for Beauty and the Beast (Globe) and Lucy Maud & Anne (Smile). Producer of Race Cards (in Two Acts) (Prime Mover Theatre). Sarah was the Apprentice Artistic Director of The Musical Stage Company from 20222024 and is the Co-Founder & Co-Artistic Director of Theatre Making Movement with Stephanie Graham. Film/TV: Producer, director, writer, and actor in Good With Her, directed by Shelia McCarthy. Her writer/ director debut she her him appeared at the Reelworld Festival. Endless gratitude to Adam. Love to Mike, Teddy & Max. Visit sarahobrecht.com | Instagram: @sarahobrecht.
Paul Pembleton (Stage Manager)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Stage Manager for Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, Fiddler on the Roof, Evita, Beautiful: The Carole King Story, American Son, It Runs in the Family, A Few Good Men, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Miracle Worker, Holiday Inn, Man of La Mancha, The Drowsy Chaperone, Death of a Salesmen, The 39 Steps, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, Godspell (U.S National Tour), Harvey, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (U.S National Tour). Other theatre: Stage Manager for Alcestis, Cockfight (Theatre Erindale, UTM); They’re Found in Trees (Theatre Orangeville); 1812 (The Foster Festival); Suds: The Musical (Carousel Playhouse).
Nadene Riehl (Assistant Stage Manager)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical, Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream, Footloose, Bittergirl: The Musical, The Crooner, Wizard of Oz: The Panto, American Son, Legally Blonde - the Musical, We’ll Meet Again, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Good Ol’ Country Gospel, You’ll Get Used To It!... The War Show, Hairspray, Kings & Queens of Country, Million Dollar Quartet, Red Rock Diner, Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Canadian Legends, Twist & Shout, Snow White: The Panto, Footloose, Legends of Harmony. Other theatre: Seussical The Musical, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, The Full Monty, Hairspray, The Sound of Music (KWMP); KW Glee. She’s excited to return for her 11th season at Drayton Entertainment. Enjoy the show!
Lyrie Murad (Apprentice Stage Manager)
Drayton Entertainment (Stage Manager): A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Kiss Me, Kate, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, (Performer): Fiddler on the Roof. Other theatre: Alice in Wonderland (Bad Hats/ Theatre Sheridan); Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (TUTS Vancouver); A Christmas Carol, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Diocesan Arts Movement). Lyrie is so thrilled to be a part of this production and working alongside this incredibly talented cast and crew. A big thank you to her family and friends for their constant love and support. Enjoy the show! @lyriemurad.
the band
Nico Rhodes (Music Director/Piano)
Drayton Entertainment: Rock of Ages, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, Anne of Green Gables. Between his own film music company (over 400 compositions), writing musicals (five to date), directing several local choirs, touring internationally with his hit duo-piano comedy show Piano Heist, collaborating with Juno award-winning artists, arranging for big band, symphony orchestras, choirs, brass quintets and more, Nico enjoys studying Japanese, knitting, playing chess and learning new instruments (14 to date). Much thanks to Alex and to his wife for her unrelenting support.
Erik Larson (Bass)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Fiddler on the Loose, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Fiddler on the Roof, Music Man. Other theatre: Million Dollar Quartet (Grand); Kelly V Kelly (Musical Stage); Forever Plaid (Starvox); On The Town (Sheridan); Mary Poppins (YPT); Hedwig... (TIFT); Legally Blonde, Rocky Horror Show, Hair, Into The Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar (Hart House); and several productions at the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia. Erik is currently a bass sub for Mirvish Productions’ smash hit musical Come From Away, and has had the privilege of playing with some of Canada’s most celebrated musical talents, including Steven Page, The Tenors, Jully Black, and Emilie-Claire Barlow.
Michael Lerner (Keys II)
Drayton Entertainment: Evita. Michael has been a professional musician for over 30 years. He lives in Toronto with his son. Enjoy the show!
Richard Moore (Drums/Percussion)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, Kinky Boots, Holiday Inn, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! Other theatre (selected): Wicked, Aladdin, Mean Girls, Ain’t Too Proud (Mirvish Productions, 2023/24). Richard’s musical background includes years of experience performing in musicals, symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, and pop/rock bands. He serves on faculty at both York University and the Oscar Peterson School of Music at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto. Richard is a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 226.
Paul Pacanowski (Clarinet/Flute)
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Roof, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Les Misérables, Big Band Legends, Annie, Blood Brothers, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Evita, Camelot, Oliver!, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago. Other theatre: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Oklahoma! (Theatre Aquarius); The Wild Party (Canadian Stage); Chicago (Mirvish Productions). As both a classical and jazz musician, Paul has appeared with symphonies and chamber music ensembles. His jazz groups have performed his own compositions in a number of music festivals in Canada and abroad. Many of his compositions can be found on YouTube. Paul is happy to be spending another season with Drayton Entertainment.
about the authors
Robert L. Freedman
Robert L. Freedman won a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Book of a Musical for the Tony-winning Best Musical of 2014, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. He was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Score, with composer and co-lyricist Steven Lutvak, with whom he shared the 2014 Drama Desk Award for Best Lyrics. Among his television career highlights, Robert won the Writers Guild Award for HBO’s A Deadly Secret, and was nominated for an Emmy Award and a Writers Guild award for the miniseries Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows. Other teleplays include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, for which he received a third Writers Guild nomination; What Makes A Family, which received a GLAAD Award and for which Robert was a Humanitas finalist; What Love Sees, winner of the Silver Plaque at the Chicago International Television Festival; as well as the highly-rated true crime dramas Murder In The Hamptons, The Pastor’s Wife, Honor Thy Mother, and Bitter Blood. In 2006, Freedman and Lutvak received both the Fred Ebb Award for songwriting and the Kleban Award for lyric writing for their work on the musicals A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Campaign of the Century. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Robert has B.A. in Theatre from UCLA and an M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing and Musical Theatre from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Robert is currently at work on a film for HBO and Sundance Films. He is married to actress Jean Kauffman, and they are the proud parents of Max Freedman, a writer and community activist living in Brooklyn.
Steven Lutvak
Steven Lutvak made his Broadway debut with his score to A Gentleman’s Guide to Love And Murder, for which he supplied the music, and cowrote the lyrics with Robert L. Freedman. A Gentleman’s Guide won the Drama League, the Outer Critics Circle, the Drama Desk and the Tony Awards for Best Musical of 2014. Since its successful run of over two years on Broadway, there have been two National Tours (the second of which is currently on the road), and productions have already been seen in Sweden, Japan, and the first Chinese language production opens this December.
Previously, Lutvak and Freedman won the Kleban and Fred Ebb Songwriting Awards for their songs to A Gentleman’s Guide, which was originally developed at the Sundance Theater Lab, and which premiered as a co-production at the Hartford Stage, and the Old Globe in San Diego. Lutvak and Freedman previously wrote the musical Campaign of the Century, which won the California Musical Theater Competition from the Beverly Hills Theater Guild. Campaign was originally commissioned by The American Musical Theater of San Jose, and was later presented in a concert version at Chicago’s Humanities Festival, and featured in the New York Music Theater Festival.
Other musicals include Almost September, which premiered on the mainstage of the Repertory Theater of St. Louis, and was subsequently produced at Missouri Repertory Theater, and won eight Bay Area Critics’ Circle Awards for its run at Theater Works in Palo Alto, California. The Wayside Motor Inn, his adaptation of a play by A. R. Gurney, began as a commission by the Harmony Project of the National Alliance for Musical Theater, for which Lutvak was named Artist-in-Residence at the Eugene O’Neill Opera Music/Theater Conference. His Esmeralda premiered at the Studio Theater of the St. Louis Rep, and was awarded a New American Work grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Lutvak scored Off-Broadway’s Hannah Senesh, which was nominated for a Drama Desk Award, and was later produced at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles, the Philadelphia Theatre Company, the Baltimore Center Stage, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and more recently at Penguin Repertory Theatre. The production also toured throughout Canada and Israel. During the 1994 Toronto Summer Arts Festival, a revue of Steven’s songs was presented as part of Garth Drabinsky and Live Entertainment of Canada’s New Voices Series. Other works of his have been performed at the Berkshire Theatre Festival, La Mama ETC, Weill Recital Hall and the New York Shakespeare Festival.
Lutvak wrote the title track to Paramount’s hit film, “Mad Hot Ballroom”, and, the score to “Anything But Love”, which starred Eartha Kitt and Andrew McCarthy, and was released by the Samuel Goldwyn Company.
As a singer/songwriter, Lutvak has performed his songs around the country, including such prestigious New York venues as Carnegie Hall, Carnegie Recital Hall, The Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, Rainbow and Stars and the Russian Tea Room. His two CD’s are called THE TIME IT TAKES and AHEAD OF MY HEART. He is also the winner of the Johnny Mercer Emerging American Songwriting Award, the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award, and is the only two-time recipient of the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Grant. Steven is proud to now be an Adjunct Professor at his alma mater, the NYU Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program.
And now that several of his songs are discussed in David Jenness and Don Velsey’s “Classic American Popular Song”, the follow-up to Alec Wilder’s classic book, “American Popular Song”, Steven Lutvak’s place in the American Popular Songbook is even more firmly planted.
Steven lives in New York City with his husband, choreographer Michael McGowan, and their daughter, Eliot Rose Lutvak-McGowan.
