Too Many Suspects

Reviewed by Mary Alderson

There’s a murderer on the loose at the Marble Arts Centre in Actinolite, just north of Tweed. I’d tell you to go there and help with the manhunt, but it could be very dangerous. However, Tweed & Company Theatre will try to ensure your safety if you come to see Murder for Two.

You see, they already have a cop on the case.  Officer Moscowicz is the first on the scene after Novelist Arthur Whitney is shot and killed as he walks in the door of his elaborate home, at his own surprise birthday party.  Moscowicz is trying desperately to solve this murder before the detective arrives. The officer really wants to become a detective and this would impress his boss and get him the promotion.

The house is full of murder suspects, and the officer is being very careful with his investigation, as he explains in the song “Protocol Says”. The task is not simple – the suspects are many.  First, we look at the victim’s wife – Dahlia Whitney. Or could it be Barrette, the ballerina? Maybe it’s Dr. Griff, the pipe smoking psychiatrist. And then there’s the victim’s niece Steph, a flirtatious young woman who catches the officer’s eye. There are also three bratty children around; could one of them be the murderer?

This show has all the makings of an old-fashioned whodunnit, but twisted up with a lot of laughs.  Why is it called Murder for Two?  Because the plot I just described is played by only two actors, who also sing and play the piano. The energy needed for this performance creates much of the comedy.

Ben Kopp is the eager-beaver cop. He is trying so hard to solve this murder before the real detective arrives. His comedic timing is perfect as he pushes his investigation forward. He also possesses a charming singing voice.

Liam Bidmead plays all the other characters, every one a suspect.  Bidmead’s high energy is incredible. He simply spins around and his voice, accent and mannerisms change him into a different person. The characters sing with different voices, too.

Both men are excellent pianists, sometimes at the piano together, cleverly intermingling their hands. Or they play one at a time, accompanying themselves as they sing, or accompanying each other. Their expertise and versatility on the keyboard is amazing.

The show is only 90 minutes long (no intermission) but they pack a lot into the short time frame. A murder is solved, but no spoilers here – I cannot reveal how Officer Moscowicz came to the conclusion, nor will I tell you who did it.

Murder For Two puts together a musical comedy with a murder mystery. The show certainly has something for everyone, with many laugh-out-loud jokes. The humour is reminiscent of legendary Canadian greats Wayne and Schuster, the masters of silly sketch comedy. There are many funny songs furthering the plot, which along with Thomas Alderson’s direction, take full advantage of the hilarious script.  High jinks, chaos and laughs abound.

Murder for Two continues at the Marble Arts Centre, Tweed, until September 6. Tickets are available by calling 613-478-6060 or visit https://www.tweedandcompany.com/

Photo: Liam Bidmead as a suspect and Ben Kopp as the cop in Murder for Two, a musical comedy murder mystery. Photo by Heather Cardle Photography.  

 Murder for Two
Book by Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian, Lyrics by Kellen Blair, Music by Joe Kinosian
Directed by Thomas Alderson
Performed by Liam Bidmead and Ben Kopp
Tweed & Co. production
Marble Arts Centre, Tweed (Actinolite)
August 28 to September 6, 2026
Reviewed by Mary Alderson
Full Disclosure:  The director is the reviewer’s son.