Aug 123 min read

Murder for Two - Riverside Theatre (NSW)

Book and lyrics by Kellen Blair, book and music by Joe Kinosian

Two of Australia's Musical Theatre rising stars deliver this delightful concoction of music, mayhem, and murder that is as entertaining as it is outrageous

Reviewed by Chanele Mao

A Hayes Theatre Production

Riverside Theatres, Parramatta

Season 9 – 10 August 2024

Tickets: https://riversideparramatta.com.au/whats-on/murder-for-two/

As officer Moscowicz struggles to uncover the truth - if one of the suspects at Whitney’s birthday party was the killer, what was their motive?

Hayes Theatre Co. has once again pulled off a theatrical triumph with their production of Murder for Two. This quirky, high-energy show has landed in Parramatta, bringing with it a delightful concoction of music, mayhem, and murder that is as entertaining as it is outrageous.

From the moment the show begins, the audience is in for a surprise. A white sheet drapes over the grand piano in the living room, is something or someone hidden underneath? It’s clear that Murder for Two is not your typical murder mystery. This offbeat musical skilfully blends the whodunit genre with a heaping dose of musical comedy. The result is a performance that is both hilariously absurd and genuinely engaging.

Photos by Phil Erbacher

Murder For Two is set at a famous novelist, Arthur Whitney’s upper middle class home. Whitney was shot in the head at his own birthday party. This begs the question, who was at the scene of the crime?

A junior police officer and wannabe detective, Marcus Moscowicz (Gabbi Bolt) is determined to solve the mystery. Upon arriving at Whitney’s residence, he meets a number of eccentric characters including the playful Mrs Whitney, Austrian psychiatrist Mr Griff, 24 year-old American Steph, and more, all played by one actor (Maverick Newman). My favourite suspect was the prima ballerina, with enough moves and turns that mirror the plot twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The chemistry between the two actors is electric and their timing impeccable. Newman’s ability to switch between characters with lightning speed is nothing short of impressive. Newman is clearly a versatile musical theatre performer. His strength in movement, music, and dance makes him very watchable and entertaining. Bolt plays Moscowicz with surprising empathy and goodness, you cannot help but root for him as he tries to crack the case.

The production is not just funny and ridiculous—it’s crafted with a clear understanding of its own bizarre charm. The music adds another layer of enjoyment, with catchy tunes and clever lyrics that enhance the show's already vibrant energy.

The set is centred around a grand piano in the living room, which not only serves as a focal point but also showcases the actors’ musical talents – Bolt and Newman are both skilled musicians! To the left is a tea and coffee stand – could there be some poison hidden in the drinks? On the right is a well-stocked library filled with books – might these books hold clues to the murder?

If you have a taste for the wacky and a love for cleverly constructed comedy, then this is a must-see. Murder for Two is a rollicking ride through a murder mystery that is anything but conventional. It is a theatrical experience that is sure to leave you laughing and marvelling at the delightful madness of it all.

Murder for Two will be playing at the Melbourne Arts Centre from 15-25 August 2024.

CAST

Gabbi Bolt

Maverick Newman

CREATIVES

Director Richard Carroll

Musical Supervisor Damon Wade

Choreographer Shannon Burns

Set & Costume Designer Keerthi Subramanyam

Lighting Designer PriyankaMartin

Sound Designer Daniel Herten

Stage Manager Jessie Byrne