Scripps Ranch Theatre now accepting audition submissions!
Murder for Two
By Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair
Directed by AJ Knox
Synopsis
Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small-town policeman with dreams of making it to detective. One fateful night, shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney and the writer is killed… fatally. With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills… But whodunit? Did Dahlia Whitney, Arthur’s scene-stealing wife, give him a big finish? Is Barrette Lewis, the prima ballerina, the prime suspect? Did Dr. Griff, the overly-friendly psychiatrist, make a frenemy? Marcus has only a short amount of time to find the killer and make his name before the real detective arrives… and the ice cream melts!
Murder For Two is the perfect blend of music, mayhem and murder! In this hilarious 90-minute show, 2 performers play over a dozen roles – not to mention the piano – in a witty and winking homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries.
Production Notes (from the script):
Murder for Two is performed by two piano-playing actors, and is intended to be performed with minimal, if any, production elements. The only necessary set piece is a piano in the middle of the room on which the actors accompany themselves and one another.
Piano Requirements:
Both performers accompany one another (and themselves) throughout the show. While the music is not overly complex, the show does require the ability to memorize, and occasionally to sing, play, and incorporate comic physicality at the same time.
Character Breakdowns
We are seeking actors of all ethnicity, abilities, body types, and gender identities. Actors please submit for the roles with which you most strongly identify.
Casting Notes (from the Director):
Murder for Two is a wonderfully unhinged, but perfectly balanced two-hander. Each role requires precise comedic timing, solid singing, and strong piano skills. There will be some light, basic choreography, but strong dancing skills are not required. For THE SUSPECTS in particular, we are seeking performers who are confident in depicting a flurry of unique characters in quick succession, and who are comfortable making strong character choices. Vocal ranges for both roles are flexible and many of the songs are in a vaudevillian patter style.
MARCUS MOSCOWICZ (any gender, any ethnicity, plays 30-45; a charming actor with good comedic timing. Strong piano playing required): An ambitious young officer who hopes to prove they’ve got what it takes to be promoted to detective. The actor also provides voices for THE CHIEF, Marcus’ grizzled boss, and VANESSA, Marcus’ former partner.
Vocal Range: Bari-tenor (mostly Eb3 – D4, up to G4); NOTE: Vocal range is flexible
THE SUSPECTS (any gender, any ethnicity, plays 30-60; a versatile character actor comfortable with physicality and movement and switching between multiple dialects or voices in quick succession)
Vocal range: flexible vocal range (originally Bb3 – E5)
The actor playing THE SUSPECTS portrays the following characters:
DAHLIA WHITNEY: the victim’s loopy widow. Has a bad hip. A former Southern Debutante.
MURRAY & BARB FLANDON: the Whitney’s bickering neighbours; classic sitcom tropes (e.g.: “All in the Family” or “Everybody Loves Raymond”).
STEPH WHITNEY: an overeager grad student who develops a huge crush on Marcus. Adventurous, awkward and very passionate when it comes to solving a crime. She’s definitely watched every crime show ever.
BARRETTE LEWIS: a self-incriminating ballerina. Villainous and flirtatious.
DR. GRIFF: a friendly local psychiatrist. He thinks every one of his patients is his best friend because they tell him everything.
TIMMY, YONKERS & SKID: members of an antiquated boys choir. Important that each of the 3 boys has a distinctive personality separate from each other.
HENRY VIVALDI: a late arrival and local firefighter. Gregarious, confident and a bit of a hippy.
Audition
This is a NON-UNION production. First round of auditions will be by video submission only.
Please submit a video audition featuring one musical comedy song in which you will accompany yourself on piano.
For actors auditioning for THE SUSPECTS, we strongly suggest one of these pieces show off your ability to perform as multiple characters or to play with vocal inflections and variations.
Self Tape Instructions
Upload your video to YouTube, Vimeo, or any similar online video platform.
Label your audition – Name and Character name.
Label your headshot and resume: First and Last Name.
(DO NOT send a video file, link only.)
SELF TAPES DUE JUNE 17
Email headshot, resume, and performance link to: auditions@scrippsranchtheatre.org.
Callbacks
Callbacks will be held June 24th at SRT by invitation only.
Performances
Show dates are Jan. 21- Feb. 13, 2027
Industry Night: Feb. 8th, 7:30PM
Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30PM
Sundays at 2:00PM
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will begin around mid December 2026. Rehearsals – weekdays 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm and weekends, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Tech is all day Jan. 16 & 17.
Questions
Questions should be directed via e-mail to SRT’s Audition Coordinator, Cristyn Chandler, at auditions@scrippsranchtheatre.org.
**THIS IS A NON-UNION PROJECT**
SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE IS ADHERING TO THE AB5 LAW FOR PAYMENT.