By ALAN SMASON, WYES-TV Theatre Critic (“Steppin’ Out”)
Several noted plays assign multiple roles to single actors in order to emphasize how clever and talented the actors are. Not only do they perform different roles for as many as 40 separate characters, but they are required to feed themselves their own lines.
It’s not unlike carrying on a conversation with yourself while assuming the personae of multiple characters.
Among the memorable plays intended to make the most use out of the minimal amount of actors are Fully Committed, a comical look at the staff and customers of a high-end Manhattan restaurant played by one actor and The 39 Steps, based on the Alfred Hitchcock film wherein one actress and two actors play upwards of 150 different characters.
Imagine combining this concept with the additional elements of music, lyrics and a piano and you can get an inkling of what Murder for Two by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair is all about. Directed by funny man actor and playwright Ricky Graham, it is currently on the boards at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré in the French Quarter.
In addition to requiring fine acting skills, the two stars –Max Dovale and Mark Schefisch – must also have great chops on the piano. Oftentimes they are complementing one another’s play or the two are finding the most inventive ways to produce the music while staying in character.
The two are literally playing a (lucky for us) 13 different characters with Dovale playing the investigating detective and Schenfisch portraying all the murder suspects and two others. Schenfisch by his own account, claims to have played his role more than 150 times previously.
He moves from one character to the other with a hastily turned hat or by donning a colorful boa or pair of flashy eyeglasses. Schenfisch does it a breakneck speed, moving from one voice to another so quickly that it takes time to reflect on who is who. One caveat that should be stated is that when Schenfish plays a female character – he plays three – it is sometimes difficult to know that he has changed gender. Uusally that’s not a problem, though.
Dovale is also quite good as the unproven officer trying to make good in his first investigation. His angst at having to fill in adds to the tension of the work.
The true genius of their roles, however, is proven when they are playing the piano, many times while moving from one side of the keyboard to the other. The musicianship requires inpeccable timing and a thorough command of the instrument.
Blair and Konsian’s book is very funny, but the music by Kinosian and lyrics by Blair are positively brilliant.
Graham’s innate sense of comic timing makes this opening overture from Le Petit a worthy opus and is the icing on this comical cake.
Deborah Bommer-Morrissey handles the very important props for this show. The scenic design by Andre Lasalle is nicely executed. The lighting by Robert Camp and sound design by Jamie Doyle are also excellent.
Murder for Two continues at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré from now through October 20 at 616 St. Peter Street in New Orleans. For tickets click here or call 504-522-2081.