In the new murder-mystery musical Murder for Two, actor Jeff Blumenkrantz has the immensely challenging and rewarding job of creating 10 very different murder suspects, all played by him with only the occasional prop to distinguish one character from the next. It’s a real hoot and quite spectacular to see live at New World Stages. Below, Blumenkrantz introduces BroadwayBox to each of the murder suspects. From the married woman who dreams of an affair with a well-endowed man to the kid who dreams of kissing Detective Marcus (co-star Brett Ryback), meet this kooky gang of characters.
Name: Dahlia Whitney
Lifelong Dream: To have Dame Edna's career
At a party, she would most likely be found: Serving tea
Your favorite part about playing her: Her unabashed self-centeredness
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: Equal parts Paula Deen + Angela Lansbury + Edith Bunker
Name: Dr. Griff
Defining characteristic: Cigar, hunchback, and gravelly voice
At a party, he would most likely be found: Standing next to the piano, waiting for the sing-along
Your favorite part about playing him: Doing a soft-shoe number
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: Tom Roland (that's for my Northwestern peeps)
Name: Barrette Lewis
Defining characteristics: Darting eyes, bad British accent, and fifth position
Lifelong Dream: To make everyone want her
Your favorite part about playing her: I get to pull out my brief but unforgettable ballet training
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: Margot Fonteyn as played by Judi Dench
Name: Murray Flandon
Lifelong Dream: To convince someone to lock up his wife, Barb.
At a party, he would most likely be found: Standing by the door, pointing at his watch and grimacing.
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: Honestly, it's my grandfather, with a different accent.
Your favorite part about playing him: Memorializing my cranky grandfather.
Name: Barb Flandon
Defining characteristic: Shrieky voice and New Yawk accent.
Lifelong Dream: To have a fling with a … um… well-endowed man.
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: Mrs. Roper from Three's Company
Your favorite part about playing her: She gets to rub Detective Marcus' chest...
Name: Steph Whitney
Defining characteristic: Puppy dog eyes, and hair that keeps falling out from behind her ears.
Lifelong Dream: To be partners with a dreamy detective
At a party, she would most likely be found: Alone in the corner, yearning
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: The lovechild of Kristen Wiig and Ugly Betty
Name: Timmy
Defining characteristic: Red Yankees cap, plus he's short.
At a party, he would most likely be found: Puttin' on a show for the crowd
Your favorite part about playing him: Doing a tap break on my knees
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: The Bowery Boys + Spanky from The Little Rascals + The Frog from Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse (aka Edward G. Robinson)
Name: Yonkers
Defining characteristic: A lisp and just being plain adorable
Lifelong Dream: To make out with Detective Marcus
At a party, he/she would most likely be found: Getting his cheeks pinched
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: [any kid who played Winthrop in The Music Man]
Name: Skid
Lifelong Dream: To open a burn victim unit in honor of his best pal, Johnny
At a party, he would most likely be found: Bumping into things.
Your favorite part about playing him/her: Singing badly.
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: Dumb Donald from Fat Albert
Name: Henry Vivaldi
Defining characteristic: A working class New England accent and popping up when least expected
Lifelong Dream: To put out fires and defend the wronged
Your favorite part about playing him: Getting to improvise how I mess around with Brett each night
Visual Pop Culture Reference for My Character: Danny Aiello or Jim Belushi
