Hillbarn stages 'Murder for Two'

 

Kevin Kelly and Michelle Lemon in "Murder for Two." (Tracy Martin photo)

It was supposed to be a surprise birthday party for successful mystery writer, Arthur Whitney, but just as he was walking through the front door of his New England mansion, he was shot dead.

So begins “Murder for Two,” the musical mystery presented by Hillbarn Theatre & Conservatory.

The “two” in the title refers to the fact that only two actors play all of the parts.

Kevin Kelly is Marcus, a local police officer with hopes of becoming a detective, who’s dispatched to investigate, along with his unseen partner.

Michelle Lemon plays the other 12 characters of both genders. All are considered a suspect because everyone had a reason to want to kill Arthur.

With a book and music by Joe Kinosian and book and lyrics by Kellen Blair, the show has shades of Agatha Christie as each suspect’s possible motives are revealed before the surprise ending.

Directed by Jeffrey Bracco with musical direction by Rick Reynolds, both actors do well, especially Lemon, a multi-talented performer who can sing and dance as well differentiate each character with only a shift in vocal tone or posture. Like Kelly, who also sings, she plays the piano, too. Her performance is a true tour-de-force.

The stage design by Eric Olson and mood lighting by Pamila Gray, along with sound by Jeff Mockus and costumes by Madeline Berger, help to set the appropriate mood.

Despite the fine performances, this production seems to drag, especially when a suspect sings his or her story. And then after the actors take what one assumes is their final bow, they return for one more song.

Nevertheless, the opening night audience seemed to enjoy it.

Running about an hour and 45 minutes with no intermission, “Murder for Two” will continue through Nov. 2 at Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City.

For tickets and information, call (650) 349-6411 or visit www.hillbarntheatre.org.

 

 

'Little Women' comes to life at TheatreWorks

 

The March women are, from left, Meg (Emily Ota), Amy (Sharon Shao), Marmee (Cathleen Ridley), Jo (Elissa Beth Stebbins) and Beth (Lauren Hart). Kevin Berne photo

Playwright Lauren Gunderson has an affinity for 19^th century female authors, as evidenced by her adaptations inspired by Jane Austen and now in “Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women,” receiving its world premiere by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.

Set in New England during the Civil War, it focuses on the impoverished March family – mother and four daughters – while the father is away at war.

The central character is the second-oldest daughter, Jo (Elissa Beth Stebbins), who sometimes speaks as Alcott herself and who aspires to be a writer. Early in the play she also says she has wished she were a boy.

Meg (Emily Ota) is the oldest sister. Behind them in age are Beth (Lauren Hart) and the youngest, Amy (Sharon Shao). Their mother is called Marmee (Cathleen Riddley), an island of calm and good sense.

Her daughters have their share of sisterly squabbles as well as traumas such as the scarlet fever that Beth contracts. Nevertheless, familial love unites them.

Their neighbor, the personable Laurie (Max Tachis), is deeply in love with Jo, who cherishes their friendship but can’t return his love.

Completing the cast is George Psarras as John, who courts Meg and does double duty as Bhaer, the German scholar who connects with Jo.

Director Giovanna Sardelli has assembled an outstanding group of actors, each one believably embodying his or her character in an endearing fashion. The audience comes to care for each one.

The action occurs over several years and moves from the March household to Europe. Annie Smart’s austere set aids each transition, enhanced by Kurt Landisman’s lighting design and James Ard’s sound design.

Period costumes by Meg Neville are praiseworthy, too.

Running about two and a half hours with a 15-minute intermission, this memorable production will continue through Oct. 12 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.

For tickets and information, including performances to enhance accessibility, call (877) 662-8978 or visit www.theatreworks.org.