Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Previously seen at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2011 but here performed on a revolving set, “Murder for Two,” the story of the investigation into the murder of a novelist during the poor fellow’s birthday party, is at its best when Grimm and Carey are breaking even the tenuous rules the show has set up for them. It is not exactly an engrossing plot from the thriller point of view, and 90 minutes is plenty long enough."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"..."Murder for Two" celebrates its derivative nature. The musical numbers include vaudeville hoofing (Grimm, playing a "12-man boy's choir"), boffo 11 O'Clock power-anthems (enhanced by no less than eight disco balls descending from on high) and novelty numbers (a rando fireman named Vivaldi gets a pointless and hilarious number)."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"..."Murder for Two" only calls for two actors, yet this challenging 2011 musical doesn't receive as many productions as other similarly sized shows. To see why, head to the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire to be wowed by the super-talented twosome tackling this madcap musical mystery."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Noel Carey and Jason Grimm perform well together, and much of the entertainment in this show comes from their considerable onstage chemistry. Both are facile comic actors, though Grimm, who plays the suspects, earns the most applause because his changes from one character to another are so quick and because he's a bit of ham. Kinosian and Blair's book is charming, though there's nothing particularly groundbreaking about their genre parody or their small cast."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...Murder for Two have two powerhouse actors that can sing from soprano to bass, dance ballet, play the piano and have split-second timing, is silly, funny and wildly zany and it will have you trying to figure out whodunit along with Officer Moscowicz."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...When most people think Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, they think large- scale musicals. Shows such as “Oklahoma”, “South Pacific”, “My Fair Lady”, “Rent” and a host of larger shows with great dance numbers and songs that will be hummed on the way how. Surprise! Marriott had opted to do something different as part of the 2018/2019 season- a blend of comedy ( more farce than comedy), music and outright ZANY ( with a capital Z) all handled in 90 minutes by two very, and I mean very talented performers."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...Happily, at Marriott, actor/musicians Noel Carey (as Officer Marcus Moscowicz, the cop hell-bent on earning a promotion to detective), and Jason Grimm (as most of the eccentric suspects in the case), see it through with clock-like precision. And they are aided and abetted by the pratfall-packed direction of Scott Weinstein, the airtight music direction of Matt Deitchman, and the ingenious set design by Scott Davis that makes a prop-packed revolving stage (lit by Jesse Klug) something of a third character as the actors weave their way among antique furniture, suitcases, lamps, plants, books, a globe, a candelabra, a hat tree and the grand piano at the center of it all."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...At times however, particularly as the show rolls toward its climax, the pacing turns a little too frantic. And since Grimm is spread between so many characters, the audience understandably becomes more invested in Carey’s need to solve the crime, which is probably appropriate. There can be no doubt, though, that area audiences seeking a fast-paced, hilarious, 90-minute musical entertainment for the Summer won’t be disappointed. This exciting and inventive show is sure to knock ‘em dead."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...The songs are zippy and often funny, with in jokes and referential connections to the live theater. Sometimes the singing was over-miked, especially in Grimm’s numbers, but if I didn’t catch all the lyrics I marveled at the enthusiasm and commitment of the performing. The production occasionally reaches a bit too hard for comic novelty, as when a member of the audience is pulled on stage to briefly expand the cast to three, to minimum effect. The show runs a little long and seems to have trouble making up its mind how the plot will end, not that a resolution to the murder is of any great consequence."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"Marriott Theatre presents a musical unlike anything ever seen. Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair’s uproarious comedy is an entertaining tour de force for theatergoers looking for a a fun-filled, laughter inducing ride."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...There are lots of dynamic duos—Batman and Robin, peanut butter and jelly, Italian beef and fries. Now there’s murder and dancing. Murder for Two is a horse of a different color for the Marriott Theatre—there’s no giant cast, no high production-value numbers, no pit orchestra, and no real name recognition for the show itself. Instead, there are just two cast members, Noel Carey and Jason Grimm, and an immensely clever but demanding book and lyrics by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair in which 13 people are played by 2."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended
"...The first hour is a laugh-a-minute hoot, let the puns and rhymes fall where they may. By the last 15 minutes of this 90-minute farce, audiences may be excused if they don’t care who shot the novelist. Probably it doesn’t matter anyway because this isn’t “Murder She Wrote.” It’s a hilarious theatrical bit that is perfect for summer and that shows off the amazing talents of Carey and Grimm."
Chicago On Stage - Recommended
"...In the end, I was impressed by the talent of the actors and I did find myself laughing out loud multiple times. While there may be room for improvement in Murder for Two, it did provide a nice evening of laughter."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...Things get started right away so if your head is buried in your program or you are running late, you may miss some of the funny business. There is plenty of convenient free and low-cost valet parking and many dining options in the area to help make Murder for Two a not-to-be-missed summertime treat."
