A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but I am so lucky to be in a great city with access to such a wonderful, thriving, cultural scene.

I happen to live, play and work downtown Cleveland, home of Playhouse Square, which is the largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York. And one of the perks of living here is that sometimes I get to see GREAT Broadway shows.

This week, I was invited by Playhouse Square to see The Tony Award winner for Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder. I got two complimentary tickets, so B and I enjoyed a night out.

At the theater!

We even got to sample some delicious pasta and treats from Maggianos at the media preview event before the show!

pre-show eats from Maggiano’s

treats!

perfect pre-show decor

Have you heard of the show? Here’s the plot in a nutshell:

Some highlights from the show:

The show was a blast. It was funny, had catchy music and was fast paced. Come on – when was the last time you saw a musical about a serial killer? Okay, I guess Sweeney Todd counts, and I do love me some Sweeney Todd – but this musical was less gory, less gruesome and the killer was more lovable.

Even B enjoyed it. We both laughed at the funny parts and clapped (and may have even cheered) at so many other parts as well. The cast was great – so many of the characters were unique and there’s even one guy who plays SEVERAL roles.

photo courtesy Playhouse Square, photo credit: Joan Marcus

I don’t want to give too much away – so go see it yourself! A Gentleman’s Guide is in town until November 15, 2015. In Cleveland? Be sure to go to PlayhouseSquare.com to get tickets before the show’s gone.

Disclaimer: I was given two tickets to see A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, as well as invited to attend the pre-show reception by Playhouse Square. All views, as always, are my own.

Some questions for you:

What was the last musical you’ve seen?
Have you seen a Gentleman’s Guide?
What’s your favorite Broadway show?

Those of you that know me know that I’ve grown to love and embrace my new (is it still new if I’ve been here 7 years?) city, Cleveland. I’m always celebrating Cleveland and telling friends and family who are not from here how great it is and what the city has to offer.

One of the things I love about this city is our amazing theaters and performances that I’m lucky enough to attend and are literally a walk away from my apartment. As you may know, Playhouse Square is the country’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City. This week, I was lucky enough to be invited to the 2015-2016Broadway Series Launch Party AND I got to go with my sister-in-law Mary for a lovely girls night!

Some highlights from the event:

Trying out a selfie stick thanks to the Playhouse Square crew (including a former intern of mine!)

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Wearing a media pass! (and being at a non-work related event and doing so)

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Playing around at the Playhouse Square photo booth! unnamed

AND for what you’ve all been waiting for – at the party, I got to hear what shows are coming to Cleveland next season. Here’s what’s coming to town!

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Bullets Over Broadway
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
If/Then
Beautiful (The Carole King Musical)
Matilda
Steel Magnolias
Phantom of the Opera

What am I most excited about? If I had to choose only 3:

I’m SO excited for some of these shows, especially Matilda. I LOVED the book growing up and then the movie and am so ready to see the show brought to life on stage!

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2. If/Then looks really interesting and good. I love the plot line (a 30-something year old woman trying to determine her future, find herself, etc.) AND I’ve heard it’s MADE for RENT fans (ahem – me!)

3. Phantom. Okay, so I’ll admit I’m not the typical theatre junkie and obsessed with Phantom of the Opera, but B likes it and I want to give it another try. And in all honesty, the sat time I saw it we were behind a family that talked the whole time so hopefully this time with better seats I can enjoy it more.

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Bonus: Beautiful. We got to hear several performances from this musical and they were incredible. I don’t know much about Carole King, or her music, but the show looks great and I’d love to learn more!

Interested in seeing any of these shows? Become a Season Ticket holder to secure your seats now!

Some questions for you:

Okay, have you seen any of these shows? Any recommendations?
Do you have a favorite musical or one you’ve seen over and over again? Wicked and RENT and Newsies. Can I have more than one?
Have you used a selfie stick?

Disclosure: I was given two complimentary tickets to Playhouse Square’s Broadway launch party, as well as access to the post-party media event. All views on this post are my own.