Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
A murder mystery with a musical twist is coming to The Phoenix Theatre Company when Murder for Two takes the stage in the Hormel Theatre from Aug. 26 through Sept. 20, 2026.
Written by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, with music by Mr. Kinosian and lyrics by Mr. Blair, the 90-minute production combines comedy, mystery and live music in a fast-paced whodunit. The show features just two performers, with one actor playing an aspiring detective and the other portraying 10 suspects, according to a press release.
Set on a dark and stormy night in an isolated New England mansion, the story begins when celebrated crime novelist Arthur Whitney is fatally shot during a surprise birthday party hosted by his wife, Dahlia. With the nearest detective an hour away, ambitious police officer Marcus Moscowicz takes charge of the investigation, questioning a series of eccentric suspects in an effort to solve the crime.
Audiences will have to wait until the final curtain to learn the identity of the killer.
For co-creator Joe Kinosian, the production marks a return to Arizona, where the show’s original national tour launched.
“I’m elated that Murder for Two is returning to the Phoenix area!” Mr. Kinosian said. “The original national tour started in Arizona, and I have fond memories of the gorgeous scenery, enthusiastic crowds, and wearing oven mitts in order to touch my steering wheel. So excited to hear how audiences respond to Jackson Evans and Jason Hammond’s hilarious performances under Rod Kaat’s fabulous direction.”
Director Rod Kaat, who previously directed The Lehman Trilogy at The Phoenix Theatre Company, returns to helm the production.
“This musical plays with many of the classic murder-mystery tropes: a shadowy mansion on a stormy night, a gunshot in the dark, an ever-growing body count, red herrings galore, and a room full of suspects,” Mr. Kaat said. “Except these possible perps are hilariously unhinged and more focused on grabbing the spotlight than convincing anyone they aren’t the ‘who’ whodunit.”
The score blends elements of ragtime, classic musical comedy and jazz-inspired music. Music Director Alan J. Plado will perform the score on piano.
The cast includes Chicago actor Jackson Evans as the suspects and Phoenix actor Jason M. Hammond as Marcus Moscowicz.
Mr. Evans has appeared in productions throughout the Chicago area and has received multiple Joseph Jefferson Award nominations. Murder for Two marks his debut with The Phoenix Theatre Company.
Mr. Hammond returns to the company after previously appearing in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Arizona audiences may also recognize him from performances in Little Shop of Horrors and Mary Poppins.
