WILLIAMSTON, MI–Crime doesn’t take a holiday, in this festive twist to a murder mystery musical, Murder for Two, Holiday Edition. Get your tickets quickly because the shows are selling out already at the Williamston Theatre, from November 16 – December 23. 

Murder for two is the original production which premiered in 2011 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater with original writers and actors Joe Kinosian and Kellan Blair. Only two actors perform and share playing the piano throughout the entire production. The holiday edition was created using basically the same story, but adding random Christmas references and a mini missing candy-cane caper too; and, of course, Christmas decorations.

The story goes: Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney is murdered as he enters his surprise birthday party on Christmas Eve at his country estate. It becomes the job of Officer Marcus Moscowicz, played by Mark Schenfisch, who thinks by solving the murder that he will become a real detective. But whodunit? Was it his quirky ex-showgirl wife? His mistress the prima ballerina? The niece doctoral criminologist student? The three members of the 12 boy’s choir? The feisty old neighbor couple Murray and Barb? The nearsighted clown that was searching for his glasses for most of the entire show? Or the psychologist that apparently counseled everyone at the party, even Officer Marcus.

Remember, the play is called MURDER FOR TWO…so only two actors play all of these characters.  Actually, Mr. Schenfisch only performs as the detective. That leaves Andrea Wollenberg performing ALL of the suspects AND singing, AND alternating with Mr. Schenfisch playing the piano. But don’t think that gives Mr. Schenfisch less to do; he also is the musical director for the production. 

During the first song, “Waiting in the Dark,” you see Ms. Wollenberg, introduce all of the characters as the surprise party is getting set up and it looks like the show is going to be weird and overacted. But as the show goes on, the audience’s imagination is sparked by watching Ms. Wollenberg flow perfectly from one character to another with only small variances, usually an accent or a prop piece expertly crafted by Michelle Raymond, but enough to see and connect to every character and the story.

Officer Marcus is under a time crunch to solve the Whitney murder because he and Officer Lou (a completely invisible and very crucial character), were sent to the scene of the crime before the real detective, who is stuck in line buying Christmas presents. Mr. Schenfisch now has to interview all the suspects, sing, and switch with Ms. Wollenberg on piano accompaniment, all in the course of the real time of an hour and forty minutes (no intermission) as “The Suspects” respond delightfully with her characterizations.

Since Ms. Wollenberg was not only the first female actress to play the role of the Suspects in 2015, this is also her third time reprising the character; she is surprisingly attuned to each minute characterization, like a voice, accent and/or movement, and switches gracefully character to character. 

The set was designed as a whimsical manor house library, with hand-painted wooden flooring and swirling levels accented by Dr. Seuss-like bookshelves.  A baby grand piano is the focal point and all four aisleways are used as exits and entrances, making for some tricky viewing locales. Christmas lights strung throughout the set are set on special timed sequences to help create the perfect ambiance for a holiday twist.

The artistic team that worked together to create a delightful holiday whodunit : Director Rob Roznowski, Scenic Designer Bartley H. Bauer, Lighting Designer Becca Bedell, and Property Designer and Stage Dresser Michelle Raymond.

The attention to detail on the novelist’s best selling book collection was ingenious. Pay attention. No spoilers here. Just pay attention.

Come see the 95th production in Williamston Theatre’s 17th season.  Be aware that if you sit in the front rows, you may be involved in some audience participation. You are in for a “perfectly lovely surprise” ending and an early holiday present.