Scarlett Strallen debuts in A Gentleman's Guide tonight

Two-time Olivier Award nominee Scarlett Strallen will begin performances tonight as Sibella in Steven Lutvak and Robert L. Freedman's Tony Award-winning musical comedy A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder at the Walter Kerr Theatre. She succeeds Lisa O'Hare, who played her final performance on 8 February.

Scarlett Strallen earned Olivier Award nominations for her performances in 'Singin' in the Rain,' and 'HMS Pinafore.' She has previously appeared on Broadway in Kenneth Branagh's 'Macbeth' and starred in the title role of 'Mary Poppins.' Her London theatre credits include 'Mary Poppins,' 'Candide,' 'A Chorus Line,' 'Passion,' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.'

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder is currently playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre, where it officially opened on 17 November 2013, following previews from 22 October, and it is taking bookings through to 2 August 2015.

Synopsis: 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, based on Roy Horniman's 1907 novel "Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal," tells the story of Monty Navarro who has just received some really great news! He's a long-lost member of a noble family and could become the next Earl of Highhurst. There are only eight minor issues, namely the other relatives who precede him in line for the title. So Monty does what any ambitious, highborn gentleman would do: he sets out to eliminate them one by one, all while juggling his mistress (she is after more than just love), his fiancee (she's his cousin, but who's keeping track?), plus the constant threat of landing behind bars! But it will all be worth it if he can slay his way into Highhurst Castle... and be done in time for tea.'

The musical features a book by Robert L. Freedman, music by Steven Lutvak, and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak, and is directed by Darko Tresnjak and choreographed by Peggy Hickey, all of whom made their Broadway debut.

The current cast of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder includes Jeff Kready (Monty Navarro), Jefferson Mays (Performer), Lisa O'Hare (Sibella), Catherine Walker (Phoebe D'Ysquith) and Carole Shelley (Miss Shingle).

The creative team includes Alexander Dodge (Scenic Design), Linda Cho (Costume Design), Philip S. Rosenberg (Lighting Design), and Dan Moses Schreier (Sound Design).

The musical is being produced on Broadway by Joey Parnes and John Arthur Pinckard, in association with The Hartford Stage Company and Old Globe Theatre.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder arrived on Broadway following a critically acclaimed run at Hartford Stage and San Diego's Old Globe Theatre, which starred Jefferson Mays.

- by Tom Millward