Anna Stefanic is featured as the suspects while Trent Dahlin takes the role as Officer Marcus
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
Whodunnit?
Find out when the Oregon Cabaret Theatre offers “Murder for Two,” a comedic musical that features 15 original songs and more than a dozen characters played by two versatile, piano-playing performers.
The story begins at a surprise birthday party of great American novelist Arthur Whitney when shots are fired and the writer is killed. Because the nearest detective an hour away, Officer Marcus Moscowicz jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills and crack the case. The case proves challenging as he deals with interrogating a house of eccentric characters, including Arthur’s wife Dahlia, and a prima ballerina named Barrett Lewis.
Created by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, “Murder for Two” quickly garnered praise after premiering at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater in May 2011, which was extended four times, ran for more than six months, and won a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Musical.
“This show was such an interesting challenge for our casting team,” says producer Rick Robinson. “We needed to find two virtuoso comedians — one capable of playing a dozen unique suspects and the other a master comedic foil. On top of that they both needed to sing. And play the piano like pros. We’re lucky to have Trent and Anna, who check all of those boxes beautifully.”
Both of the show’s performers are new to the Cabaret. Trent Dahlin plays Marcus Moscowicz, and Anna Stefanic plays the rogues gallery of suspects.
Alex Boyles, the Cabaret’s associate artistic director, who directs the show, also directed recent productions of “Clue” and “Christmas at the Prime Rib Playhouse.” His design team includes set designer Deanne Kennedy (“Million Dollar Quarter” and “Study in Scarlet”), sound designer Tyler Berg (“Gentleman’s Guide” and “Roger Ackroyd”), costume designer Julien Engen, lighting designer Evan Carbone, and props designer Todd Nielsen. Michael Laun serves as the show’s stage manager.
The New York Times described it as “ingenious,” highlighting its ability to entertain while keeping audiences guessing. The themes of ambition, deception, and the absurdity of the murder mystery genre are explored throughout the musical, making it both a fun and thought-provoking experience for viewers.
According to Robinson, “Overall, ‘Murder for Two’ is a unique and entertaining musical that offers a fresh take on the murder mystery genre, making it a must-see for fans of comedy and theater alike.”
If it were a movie, “Murder for Two” would be rated PG-13 for mild coarse language, a few off-color jokes, comic violence, and comic depictions of murder.
“Murder for Two” opens Friday, September 19 and closes on Sunday, November 9. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 1 p.m., with evening performances at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday nights.
Reservations are required for pre-show dinner or brunch. Appetizers, cocktails, beverages, and desserts are available without reservations.
Tickets range from $32 to $54. The Cabaret offers a 15% ticket discount for groups of 12 or more for select ticket types and performances. $15 student rush tickets can be purchased 30 minutes before curtain with a valid student ID, subject to availability.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Oregon Cabaret Theatre box office at 541-488-2902 or visit oregoncabaret.com.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.
