‘Murder for Two’ back by popular demand, with a seasonal twist

On a fateful Christmas Eve in an isolated New England mansion, shots are fired at the surprise birthday party of great American novelist Arthur Whitney. When it’s discovered that the writer has been fatally wounded and the nearest detective is more than an hour away, small-town police officer Marcus Moscowicz is called in. Moscowicz dreams of one day hitting the big time and making detective, so he endeavors to showcase his sleuthing skills with the help of his silent partner, Lou. But who did it? Was it Dahlia Whitney, the author’s offbeat widow? Barrette Lewis, the prima ballerina? Dr. Griff, the overly solicitous psychiatrist? Or was it the Christmas boys’ choir?

Williamston Theatre’s 2017 production of “Murder for Two” was the biggest ticket seller in its history. This joyful reunion of original actors Andrea Wollenberg and Mark Schenfisch highlights the partnership between these two seasoned professionals. Schenfisch has acted in more than 120 performances of “Murder for Two” in regional theaters across the country, and this is Wollenberg’s third run of playing all 10 suspects. The duo is an extremely well-oiled two-man band, guided by returning director Rob Roznowski.

While this reunion of actors, director and venue is a comedy triumph, the show also showcases the partnership between theater and audience. Actors regularly break the fourth wall and procure assistance from audience members, with mirthful results. For those lucky enough to be seated in the first row, Schenfisch may invite you to hold up his detective manual while he sings “Protocol Says.” Wollenberg may invite you on stage to play one of the dead suspects, and she may even winkingly berate you about your cell phone ringing during one of her nimble and constantly transitioning character rants, thanks to John Lepard’s sound design. It’s clear that the actors revel in the improvisational nature of these interactions.

It’s the final four-handed piano duet, “Finale Ultimo (A Friend Like You),” that gets the audience on its feet. Complete with mistletoe launched from the theater rafters, this Holiday Edition of “Murder for Two” is the perfect way to capture the madcap joy of this time of year.

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