A Two Person Whodunit? Huh?
Imagine a classic Agatha Christie Style whodunit, taking place in an isolated country house, (actually in NEW England, rather than its namesake) with the dead body of a famous writer of detective fiction, 13 suspects among them a resentful wife, a bespectacled niece, a ballerina mistress, a psychiatrist, who keeps or doesn’t keep everybody’s secrets and some poison tea. However, it is performed cabaret style with only two characters. One plays the investigating policeman, and the other plays all 13 suspects. Both play numerous songs on the piano without so much as one piece of sheet music. Well, folks this unique musical comedy, Murder for Two, by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, opened at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, this past weekend.
Although I saw it with my own eyes, I can hardly believe that two living breathing mortals could pull off such amazing performances, keeping up the scintillating brilliance and brilliant energy for a full ninety minutes. Jon Lutyens, who plays 13 different characters with different accents, and physicality with almost no costume changes; however, I can testify did not use magic or any high-tech tricks, I can hardly believe one pianist/actor could pull it off. It was that impressive.
Equally impressive was Katherine Strohmaier as the wannabe detective Marcus whose piano and recitative skills, as she crisply delivered the witty lines, was magnificent. At times the wit reminded me of the best of Gilbert and Sullivan and the interaction between the two actors at the piano was outstanding.
Also outstanding was the set by Jeffry Cooke; but of course a lot of credit goes to the director Corey McDaniel who perfected the timing of the 13 suspects with the touch of a genius. Directing this show was not exactly a walk in the park, and McDaniel demonstrated his skill and creativity.
Harlequin Productions, in Olympia, is one of the theatre gems of the Puget Sound area, it consistently delivers top-notch entertainment. Olympia is an old-fashioned lovely town, there are plenty of places to eat, funky bookstores, antique shops and a large covered farmer’s market. It is worth the drive.
Murder for Two, Harlequin Productions.202-4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501. Thurs, Fri, Sat eve 7:30, Sat & Sun Matinée 2:00 pm. Pay What You Can- Fri March 18 7:30Wed. Mar 30 7:30, Thurs Mar 24 7:30, Fri March 18 7:30. Box Office (360) 786-0151
Tickets: https://harlequinproductions.org/show/murder-for-two/