Booked & Scene

Part murder mystery, part musical comedy, Murder for Two is a zippy, piano-fueled whodunit where everyone’s a suspect and only two actors bring the entire chaos to life. Directed by Tyler Rosati, this clever caper follows Officer Marcus Moscowicz as he races to solve the murder of a famous novelist before the real detective arrives. With Jared Troilo as Marcus and Will McGarrahan as every suspect, it’s a 95-minute burst of comedy, music, and pure theatrical fun.

Protocol Says: Perfection 

Here’s what I’ll say: I always adore Jared Troilo in everything he’s in, and this was no exception. What a true joy to watch on stage. His Marcus was pure, hysterical, and grounded, with a lovely arc that made him easy to root for. And the piano playing I mean, come on. You’re in a two-person show, you’re accompanying yourself, and you don’t even have sheet music? The talent. The joy. The sheer skill it takes to do that. Incredible.

While he shone in every number, “Protocol Says” and “A Friend Like You” were standouts. And yes, I might be a little biased since I unexpectedly found myself in that latter number. (If you know, you know. And if you don’t… you might want to grab a ticket.) His ability to form distinct relationships with each of Will McGarrahan’s many suspects was impressive, and it was clear from the start how strong the chemistry is between the two of them.

The Man Behind Every Motive

Will McGarrahan was the second half of this dynamic duo, playing every suspect with sharp comedic timing and physical precision. One moment he’s an overdramatic ballerina, the next he’s a precocious kid, then suddenly he’s back at the piano, underscoring it all without missing a beat. I especially enjoyed his portrayals of Timmy, Yonkers, Skid, and Barrette Lewis. Taking on that many characters is no small feat, yet Will made it look effortless. While a few of the female roles blurred together slightly, he still gave each one enough quirks and mannerisms to keep them distinct. His performances of “Perfectly Lovely Surprise” and “So What If I Did?” were major highlights. There’s a real generosity to his performance too; you can sense how much he’s playing with Jared rather than just alongside him. That energy and connection is what makes the show sing.

Evidence of Excellence

There was so much I loved about this production: the quick wit and crisp comedic timing to the impressive piano playing and undeniable chemistry shared between Jared and Will. You can tell when a cast had a great rehearsal process, and that absolutely carries through to their performances. These two are having a blast, performing for the love of it, and that kind of happiness is contagious.

Katy Monthei’s scenic design was a treat, full of clever details that kept the eye engaged, and Adam Smith’s sound design added a rich layer that made the space feel alive. And yes, I can personally confirm that the surprise audience participation moment lands. (Spoiler: I was the chosen participant.) Watching the audience try to decide if I was part of the show was almost as entertaining as the scene itself. It’s the kind of unexpected, interactive touch that makes live theater so much fun, especially in a show like this that thrives on spontaneity.

And as someone who loves a tight 90, I appreciate that this one clocks in just under 100 minutes. It’s brisk, playful, and leaves you grinning.

A Few Red Herrings

There wasn’t much that didn’t land for me, but if I had to nitpick, the placement of the dead body occasionally threw me off. Characters would walk through the supposed body in one scene, only to reference it again later, which was slightly confusing. A few lighting cues also caused shadows on the actors’ faces, making me wonder whether that was an intentional choice or a setup quirk.

And while Jared broke a few times during the performance, I actually think it worked. It made Marcus even more endearing and let the audience in on the fun rather than pulling us out of it.

Crime Solved, Spirits Lifted 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: sometimes you just want to go to the theater and experience pure joy. Murder for Two gives you exactly that: a funny, fast-paced, delightfully chaotic escape from the real world. Between the sharp comedy, top-tier piano playing, and irresistible chemistry between Troilo and McGarrahan, this show is a treat from start to finish.

If you’re looking for something to make you laugh this spooky season, this is your case to crack. Murder for Two at Greater Boston Stage Company runs through November 9, 2025. 

📸: Nile Scott Studios