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Review: Murder for Two—A Killer Musical/Chicago Shakespeare Theater

May 18, 2011 at 5:04 pm by Zach Freeman

by Zach Freeman
May 18, 2011July 25, 2011Filed under:
  • Musicals
  • Recommended Shows
  • Theater
  • Theater Reviews
  • World Premiere

RECOMMENDED

Opening with a surprise party gone awry and a murder to be solved, “Murder for Two—A Killer Musical” (penned by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair) quickly explodes into self-aware musical campiness; puns and slapstick abound in a way that would no doubt make Mel Brooks giggle giddily. Officer Marcus Moscowicz (Alan Schmuckler) arrives at the scene of the crime with hopes of becoming a detective and ineffectively strives to corral a host of feisty suspects that includes an aloof ballerina, a gruff psychiatrist, a bickering older couple, a bookish grad student and the victim’s attention-grabbing wife (all played with gusto by Kinosian). The straight-man/funny-man combo works wonders here, with Schmuckler’s earnestness giving Kinosian free rein to send his characters over the top and director David H. Bell has instilled this world premiere with a sense of excitement and experimentation throughout that caters to the show’s irreverent strengths. Those looking to use their detecting skills may be disappointed, but those looking for a laugh will be more than satisfied. (Zach Freeman)

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 East Grand (at Navy Pier), 312.595.5600. $25-$30. Through September 4.

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Related

Tagged:
  • Alan Schmuckler
  • Chicago Shakespeare Theater
  • David H. Bell
  • Joe Kinosian
  • Kellen Blair

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