Santa Clara Actor Brings 'Gentleman' Style To 'Love & Murder'

SARATOGA, CA — Playing the antithesis to the anti hero, actor Michael Hirsch has never been one to back down from a challenge.

The 50-year-old Santa Clara theater veteran certainly got one in the show-stopper starting Saturday through the South Bay Musical Theatre with "A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder," which is running on the weekends until Oct. 19 at the Saratoga Civic Theater on Fruitvale Avenue. The show based on the Robert L. Friedman book was inspired by the gothic pen and ink artwork of American artist Edward Gorey.

The leading man murders his way up the social ladder in Edwardian England, a feat in itself that all but certainly led to four Tony Awards in 2014 for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Direction and Best Costume Design. If that's enough, Hirsch plays the entire D'Ysquith family that equates to an ensemble of characters as varied as the roles he's played since he began his theater journey in eighth grade. He returned to the stage in 2017 after a 17-year hiatus.

This is a staged expectation Hirsch has pulled off before in "Tenderly," but the Gentlemen's Guide requires a more demanding twist.

"The big difference is the extreme costume changes — from a full dress and wig to a complete suit with a cane," he told Patch.

The organized chaos of the costume team backstage resembles a racing-car pit crew.

Sometimes the alterations of character happen in seconds.

Then, the fascinating plot is sure to require the audience pay attention.

"There's a lovely love triangle," he said.

Hirsch believes the theater goer will be entertained by all the activity, music and comedy.

"They're going to be entertained in a glorious way," said the Michigan State University graduate, whose favorite performance through the years was Will Rogers in the "Follies."

"This was a huge challenge," he said. There, he learned to play harmonica, beyond reading up on the character.

First-nighters to the show are invited to stay for a champagne toast following the opener. Evening shows start at 8 p.m., while matinees Sundays and the closing Saturday start at 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets cost $29 to $39, with $2 discounts for seniors 65 years or older. Tickets run $20 for students and children and may be purchased online at www.SouthBayMT.com or by calling 408-266-4734.