Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...For a model of how this show should be played, which is dryly, Kinosian just has to look at the actor standing next to him. Schmuckler, a retro song-and-dance man, always remains deeply in control and fiercely committed. Schmuckler reminds me more and more of David Hyde Pierce and is just terrific here. You believe him as an ambitious cop who wants to be a detective. You feel you can hear the cogs in his brain turning with the developments in the plot. You want him to succeed. He's exactly the kind of actor you want at the heart of a light summer show — funny, charming and unshakably honest."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...A playfully campy quality of artifice is obvious from the moment you take your seat for “Murder for Two — A Killer Musical,” the 90-minute performance triathlon by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair now in its world premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater Upstairs."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"... There are lots of funny ideas here, some witty songs, and displays of Chico Marx-like musical dexterity whenever Alan Schmuckler's Moscowicz and Joe Kinosian's everybody else attack the piano. But the conceit starts to flag as the show heads into its second hour, and Kinosian's characterizations--and, in particular, his vocalizations--don't differentiate enough to make good on the implicit promise of a tour de force."
Centerstage - Recommended
"...These two multitalented actors perfectly complement each other’s artistry, energy and flair. They are indeed both comic and musical geniuses. At times however, particularly as the show rolls toward its climax, the pacing becomes too frantic. And since Kinosian is spread between so many characters, the audience understandably becomes more invested in Schmuckler’s need to solve the crime. But for audiences wanting fast-paced musical comedy entertainment, this exciting and inventive new show is sure to knock ‘em dead."
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...But as staged by Bell, working right in his wheelhouse, and expertly performed by Kinosian and Schmuckler, it’s irresistibly infectious, old-fashioned fun. Kinosian, an appealing blank slate when he’s in neutral, bounds around the stage adopting distinct voices and physicalities to bring to life nine characters, while Schmuckler puts his natural endearing-nebbish persona to terrific use. Careful not to overstay its welcome, Murder should slay even the most jaded party guests."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Comedy is rife as he and Alan Schmuckler, (as investigating Officer Marcus Moscowicz) thrust and parry their way to a solution of the crime. And to add to all this, both men are excellent pianists, exchanging and interweaving their musical skill as they swiftly replace each other at the keyboard to underline narrative and interlace songs and dialogue. David H. Bell is skillfully directing a marriage between Victor Borge and Agatha Christie with a mixture of the Marx Brothers thrown in."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Yes, deftly directed by the matchless David H. Bell, this infectious delight amounts to inspired folly. But it’s not non-stop fun. Too often the deft duo milk their laughs by, yuk, yuk, winking to each other and the crowd. You don’t expect self-indulgent longeurs to slow the pace of a supposedly breakneck tour de force. So, guys, just cut out the in-joke shenanigans and this sweet spoof could soar even beyond a sixth-floor stage."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...
The set designed by Scott Davis includes a suspended miniature gothic mansion that lights up. The mini home shows activity on the outside. The fog rolls in. The moon rises. The kids chase the bad guy. It's an amusing technique. The entire show is a tribute to amusing technique. The ongoing schtick elicits a varied response. Some of the audience laughed uncontrollably. Others chortled on occasion. I smiled hard at the talented slapstickers. MURDER FOR TWO --- A KILLER MUSICAL doesn't quite execute fatal attraction. It grazes the surface as a light, frothy frolic."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...This is a musical farce with music that will remind you of Sondheim and comic touches that are both burlesque and vaudeville and could easily be equated with the Marx Brothers. In particular after the curtain calls when Schmuckler and Kinosian do a special reprise that truly shows off the magical fingers in their piano playing. What a delight! No matter what is going on in your life! No matter how bad a day you might have had! There is nothing but release of any stress you may have from watching this comic masterpiece- one that I am sure will be done for years to come in theaters all over the world ( providing they can find talent as perfect as these two performers)."
Reviews You Can Iews - Highly Recommended
"...Go and see this play. You will have a fun time and maybe pick up a few pointers about how to be more likable!!"
Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended
"...Directed by David Bell, Murder for Two is about as campy, over the top and self-consciously silly as theater gets. The piece is a showcase for the seemingly effortless madcap comic talents and fleet-fingered piano virtuosity of Schmuckler and Kinosian, whose musical repartee is just as important as their verbal repartee. The two manhandle and finesse the baby grand onstage with an athleticism you don’t usually associate with piano performance and a synergy that evokes Siamese twins – no mean feat, given that Kinosian is as lanky as a bean pole and limber as taffy while Schmuckler is significantly more compact both in personal architecture and in gesture."
