Murder and music collide LTO play

There’s something you should know about the Little Theatre of Owatonna’s (LTO) fall production.

But not just yet.

There’s a big secret at the heart of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” The rollicking musical comedy follows the story of Monty Navarro, who discovers he is eighth in line to be an earl in the lofty D’Ysquith family.

The show marks director Gordy Handeland’s first time at the helm of an LTO production. He responded to a call for directors with the show in mind.

“This was at the top of my schedule to do this for two other theaters, but then COVID hit,” he said.

The Austin resident said he enjoys directing musicals and really appreciates the turn-of-the-century costumes. Also, he said, “It’s a very funny show.”

“It’s kind of a dark comedy,” he added.

Among the cast of 13, Owatonna resident Alex Ayers plays Miss Shingle.

“I come in as one of the first characters to be introduced,” Ayers said. “I basically set up the entire premise of the show. I give the back story, and I reveal a big secret.”

That secret, she said, is the catalyst that forms a metaphysical snowball rolling downhill through the show.

Ayers has done LOT shows since 2015 and studied musical theatre in college. She continues dipping her toes in the stage life while working for Owatonna-based Presto Packaging & Foam.

In “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” Ayers said, audiences will see “a lot of slapstick comedy, a lot of physical comedy.”

“That’s what makes it so funny,” she said. “I love the jokes… We’ve been doing scenes over and over again, and I’m still cracking up. And the music is so catchy, I hear the songs in my dreams.”

Other cast members include:

• Austin Stole as Monty
• Brie Stole as Sibella
• Heather Burke as Phoebe
• Erik Eitrheim as Asquith D’Ysquith
• Rian Cloutler – ensemble
• Ron Hager – ensemble, featured as Tour Guide
• Bin Huang – ensemble
• Maggie Jones – ensemble, featured as Miss Barley
• Curt Jorgenson – ensemble, featured as Magistrate
• Holly Jorgensen – ensemble
• Margaret Schlicker – ensemble
• Lucas Vasquez – ensemble
• Gail Zollner – ensemble, featured as Lady Eugenia

Performances of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. October 13-15 and 20-22, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Oct. 16 and 23. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit littletheatreofowatonna.org or call 507-451-0764.

Tickets are also available at Tri M Graphics, 625 East Main St., Owatonna.