Lyric Repertory Company’s Murder for Two Combines Murder-Mystery with Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy that Cannot be Missed

By Christy Hudson

The Lyric Repertory Company in Logan, Utah is in full swing with their 2019 season, and they’re starting off July with the opening of their production Murder for Two, a classic “whodunnit” murder-mystery

Murder for Two begins with a famous author being shot in the head at his surprise birthday party, which then leads a detective-wannabe cop to investigate the crime scene and interrogate the suspects. However, this show adds a new twist by using only two actors. One actor plays the detective, and the other actor plays, well, everyone else. If that doesn’t already sound like a difficult task, to top it off, all the music is created by the same two actors playing the piano.

The production stars Eric Van Tielen as Officer Marcus Moscowicz and Eric Shorey as the Suspects. Both are incredibly talented and hilarious, and they play off each other expertly. The two actors provide all the music, sharing their unbelievable piano skills with the audience. They might play over each other’s hands, or even play with one of them standing behind the other, reaching around him. Sometimes, one will stand up, run around the piano, and sit on the other side of the piano bench. Often, one will start playing a song but must stand up and keep acting the scene, and so the other will step in take over the music without a hitch. They keep the music playing seamlessly, and it’s truly astounding.

As I watched, I wondered if the script has each of the Suspects’ lines written out separately, so the actor playing them could easily tell when he was being who. Switching through characters like that cannot be an easy task, but Shorey does it with incredible skill using body language and different voices to switch from character to character (and he plays at least ten). And that’s not to mention what he’s capable of when portraying the prima ballerina Barrette, where he gets to show off some legitimate ballet skills. I don’t know how he’s able to jump from being the murder victim’s widow, to a squabbling married couple, to three little boys, etc., but it’s amazing. Shorey is incredibly talented to be capable of pulling of such a role (or, I guess, roles).

The chemistry and energy Shory and Van Tielen have is vital to the performance. The fast-paced humor and endless movement brings the show to life. There is never a lull; never a dull moment. It’s impossible to get bored or distracted because it’s that hysterically captivating.

One vital element that is necessary to make sure the energy never stops is the special effects. Lighting Designer Steven R. Piechocki matches the actors’ responsibilities when it comes to the movement onstage, as the lighting often changes as much as the characters. Whether it’s throwing a spotlight onto someone or changing the mood, the lighting adds a lot. Sound Designer Bryan Z. Richards also has a lot of quick cues. The timing of the sound effects is vital in landing jokes and keeping the show flowing smoothly.

Set Designer Morgan Dawn Golightly and Costume Designer Carey B. Hanson create a look that fits the classic period of a murder-mystery, like it could be an Agatha Christie novel. The actors don’t change costumes; there’s no time between each character swap. But the time-period costumes are perfect. The set consists of two doors, a giant bookshelf, and a curtain backdrop that create a classy look.

Lyric Repertory Company’s production of Murder for Two is truly hilarious. I don’t know how anyone could see the show without laughing out loud. Director Richie Call has created something remarkable. For some fun, delightful entertainment, go check out this show. It’s a perfect example of how entertaining live theatre can be.

Murder for Two contains some adult humor, sexual references, and mild profanity. Recommended for ages 13 and older.

Caine College of the Arts Presents Murder for Two, written by Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian.Lyric Repertory Theatre, 28 West Center, Logan, Utah 84321
July 5-August 3, 1:00 PM,  7:30 PMView Calendar Here
Tickets: $25
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