*Aurora Community Theatre * FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2021 *Live Theatre is Back in Aurora Oct. 29 with* *A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER* *A Knock-'em Dead, Uproarious Hit Musical* Contact: Christine Patronik-Holder *330-562-1818* Aurora Community Theatre celebrates the return to live performances with the knock-‘em dead, uproarious hit musical *A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER.* The stylish, satirical mystery opens ACT’s 62nd season at 8 pm Oct. 29 followed by Friday and Saturday performances at the same time through Nov. 20, with Sunday matinees at 2 pm Nov. 7 and 14. The theatre is located at 115 E. Pioneer Trail. When the low-born Monty Navarro discovers that he's eighth in line for an Earldom, he decides to better his odds of inheritance with a great deal of charm… and a dash of murder. Based on Roy Horniman’s novel *Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal*, Robert L. Freedman authored the play’s book, joining composer Steven Lutvak to write the lyrics. The show won four Tony Awards including Best Musical. “This production's secret weapon isn't the poison in Monty's pocket but Lutvak's jaunty score, which sounds both fresh and period-perfect with its echoes of Gilbert and Sullivan and classic British music hall.” *Entertainment Weekly* *Ann E. Nyenhuis* directs the rollicking tale of Edwardian melodrama with music director *Dustin Oliver*, choreographer *Marc C. Howard*, and producer *Katie Hintze*. *Josh Budd* takes on the role of the suave and cunning anti-hero Monty Navarro with *Mark Hilan *as the madcap D’Ysquith family. *Hannah Marzano *plays Monty’s love interest, Sibella Hallward, with *Libby Merriman *as Miss Shingle, and* Amanda Medley *as Phoebe D'Ysquith. Completing the multitalented ensemble cast are: *Patrick Jalbert, Thomas Love, David Rusnak, Alexandria Petsche, Lisa Georges,* and* Samantha Ksiezyk-DeCrane.* *Jerry Schaber* serves as stage manager with assistant stage manager *Amie Gabel*, who is also liaison to the ACT Board. *Rollin DeVere* is prop master, and *Dave Nyenhuis* will manage the run crew. *Joe Sorzano* is the dialect coach. *Todd Plone* designed the set, *Karen Cirino* the costumes, *Tara Codella* the lighting, and *Maggie Hamilton*, the sound. Ann Nyenhuis led the set construction crew which included members of the ensemble cast, *Jerry Schaber, Paul Mira, Ashley Mira, Amie Gabel,* *Henry Burkhardt, Braden Stiller, Brad Hills,** Dave Nyenhuis*, and* Joe Gillett.* In the Aurora Community Theatre tradition of presenting top-quality entertainment, the production will be accompanied by a live orchestra including*: Dustin Oliver*, conductor, also on keyboard, *Alice Mantey* on oboe and English horn, *Tyler Harding *percussion, *Jonathan "Skip" Edwards *on bass, *David Ciucevich, *clarinet, and *Michelle Swiniarski, *trumpet. “Bloodlust hasn’t sung so sweetly, or provided so much theatrical fun, since *Sweeney Todd* first wielded his razor with gusto many a long year ago.” *New York Times* *Tickets at $18 each for adults, $13 for youth age 18 and under are available online anytime, including seat selection, at www.auroracommunitytheatre.com <http://www.auroracommunitytheatre.com> or by calling 330-562-1818.* *PLEASE NOTE Aurora Community Theatre requires proof of vaccination or of a negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours of the performance date and time for entry. In addition, masks are required inside the building, lobby and all public spaces.* *A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER* is presented with permission by Musical Theatre International, MTI. Aurora Community Theatre’s 62nd season continues in 2022 with *A Nice Family Gathering* Jan. 28-Feb. 19; *Roald Dahl’s* *Matilda the Musical* Apr. 29-May 21; *Spring Awakening* June 24-July 16. Aurora Community Theatre is located at 115 E. Pioneer Trail, near the intersection of SR 43 and 306, at the gazebo, in the center of Aurora. ACT extends appreciation to The Denise G. & Norman E. Wells, Jr. Family Foundation for their generous underwriting of the Wells Main Stage. *ACT, celebrating 62 successful seasons in 2021-2022, annually presents four shows plus two children’s summer workshops, reaching an annual audience of over 7,000. *