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| 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.
