Murder for Two

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MURDER FOR TWO

Photo: Joan Marcus

Summary
Summer is a great time for reading murder mysteries on the beach or in the backyard. Fortunately, city dwellers stuck in the Big Apple have a pleasant alternative to this pastime that requires neither sand nor grass, thanks to Second Stage Theatre Uptown’s new musical, Murder for Two, at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre. True, this 90-minute bauble may not be as intricately plotted as a top-notch Agatha Christie thriller -- or even an episode of “Murder She Wrote.” However, co-authors Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair have provided some clever dialogue, sprightly tunes, eccentric characters – and, above all, a bravura showcase for actor Jeff Blumenkrantz.

You see, the lanky, loose-limbed performer gets to play everyone who was in the home of author Arthur Whitney when he was murdered. With almost lightning speed and a sharp eye and ear for detailed characterization, Blumenkrantz effortlessly morphs from Arthur’s flighty, show business-obsessed widow Dahlia, to whiny niece Steph, haughty ballerina Barrette Lewis, needy psychiatrist Dr. Griff, feuding older couple Murray and Barb, and even a trio of “Dead End”-like kids, who were hired to be singers at the surprise birthday party at which the homicide occurs. Blumenkrantz manages to get laughs from even small gestures (along with some deliberately large ones!), and he sells his few songs (despite the lack of a great voice) with complete conviction.

The only on-stage character Blumenkrantz doesn’t play is Marcus Moscowicz (Brett Ryback), the unseasoned police officer who ends up at the crime scene. Overeager to become a detective, Marcus convinces his (unseen) partner Lou to let him investigate the murder and interrogate the suspects until the real detective gets to the house. The adorable Ryback, making his major New York stage debut, is an incredibly endearing actor and a dynamic musical performer. As a result, the audience really wants Marcus to discover the solution, as well as pick the right woman to get involved with.

Director Scott Schwartz’s fluid staging, on designer Beowulf Boritt’s simple yet effective set, is well suited to the material. He’s also to be praised for the casting, since the stars have an obvious chemistry, not only while acting and singing, but also when playing the piano together (a gimmick that’s part of the script, and one that strikes me as rather unnecessary). Getting these two versatile performers for the price of one ticket is the best part of Murder For Two.
By Brian Scott Lipton


Visit the Site
http://www.murderfortwomusical.com

Cast
Jeff Blumenkrantz, Brett Ryback

Open/Close Dates
Opening 10/23/2013
Closing 6/29/2014

Box Office
212-239-6200

Theatre Info
New World Stages
340 West 50th Street
New York, NY 10019
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