Review: MURDER FOR TWO at Garner Galleria

Murder for Two is currently playing the Garner Galleria at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Directed by Scott Schwartz, this two-man cabaret act recounts a murder-mystery whodunit where several suspects (played with a brilliant variety by Jeremiah Ginn) are examined by wannabe-detective Marcus Moscowicz (given a buoyant charm from Noel Carey). The duo are a treat to watch.

It's Arthur Whitney's birthday. He's an author, and his wife has invited a select amount of friends for a surprise party. There's a feisty older couple, his niece, a constant ballerina, his psychiatrist...a few others. And they all have something in common. (Other than the fact that they're all played by the same guy.)

And before Whitney even fully arrives, he is shot dead. All of his guests have a motive. Maybe even the officer who arrives first. Or perhaps his somewhat distant assistant.

Ginn's effervescent energy brings a wide range to each of the suspects. Not to be outmatched, Carey's Marcus is just as engaging, hopping from a fast one on the piano to a centerstage ballad. And while he's doing that, Ginn's on the piano for him. There's a constant fast pace, which seems to only slow during niece Steph's ballad "He Needs a Partner."

The show's lyrics by Kellen Blair were a highlight for me. Kooky and fun, they seemed to write themselves. The music by Joe Kinosian was catchy, especially when the fellas joined on the keys together. A few cheap jokes somehow work endlessly. It took a little bit to get started, but once it did, it was addicting.

Murder for Two continues it's run at the DPCA's Garner Galleria through Tickets are available at DenverCenter.org or by calling the box office at 800.641.1222.

Photos by Joan Marcus