By AJ Jaffari
What happens when a murder mystery collides with a musical comedy—and there are only two actors to tell the tale? Murder for Two at Hillbarn Theatre turns chaos into charm, serving up a fast-paced whodunit packed with wit, quick changes, and piano-fueled hilarity. With music by Joe Kinosian and book and lyrics by Kellen Blair, this clever two-hander blends classic detective tropes with slapstick humor, musical parody, and a healthy dose of theatrical magic.
The show follows Officer Marcus, an eager small-town cop who dreams of becoming a detective, as he investigates the shocking murder of a famous novelist. The catch? Every suspect—from the widow to the ballerina to the psychiatrist—is played by a single actor. What unfolds is a high-energy, quick-witted ride that makes the audience laugh while marveling at the sheer stamina and skill it takes to pull it all off.
Since there are only two performers, it’s only right to give this dynamic duo their due. Kevin Kelly shines as the eager cop determined to solve the case, his smooth vocals perfectly suited to the role. His chemistry with counterpart Michelle Lemon—who, for me, was the star of the night—was effortless and electric. Having never seen Murder for Two before, I went in not knowing what to expect and left wildly impressed by both of them. Not only do they tackle the piano with advanced skill throughout the entire performance, but Lemon was simply outstanding in differentiating her many suspect characters.
My favorite moment came near the end, when Lemon’s character Dahlia delivers the literal showstopper, “Steppin’ Out of the Shadows,” only to be hilariously interrupted by Marcus’s persistence. The comedic timing Michelle displayed in that number (and throughout the show for that matter) should be studied—it was truly inspiring to watch as a performer myself. Another element I loved was the show’s playful use of breaking the fourth wall. Normally, I cringe at audience participation, but here it struck the perfect balance of being engaging without overbearing—a blend that fit this show beautifully.
The technical elements in this production—like nearly every show at Hillbarn—were stellar. Pamila Gray’s lighting design was a standout (always a chef’s kiss for me), beautifully shaping the tone and mood of each scene, with strong support from Samantha Schroeter. The abundance of props, handled masterfully by Jenna Forder, added another layer of precision and playfulness to the performance. I also have to applaud music director Rick Reynolds, whose work with the actors clearly paid off in the sharp timing and seamless delivery of these quick-witted songs.
And, of course, a round of applause to director Jeffrey Bracco for crafting such a unique and wildly entertaining piece of musical theater. While I might not recommend Murder for Two for all ages or audiences, it’s absolutely a must-see for theater lovers, performers, and anyone who appreciates fast-paced, cleverly executed comedy.
Hillbarn has yet to disappoint me!
Murder for Two runs through November 2 and tickets are available here.
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