Stage Door: Murder For Two, Sleeping Beauty

Let’s give it up for two accomplished actors and pianists — Jeff Blumenkrantz and Brett Ryback — who utilize all the conventions of a cozy malice domestic to make Murder For Two hugely farcical and fun. The mystery musical, which has played at previous Manhattan venues, is now at New World Stages. Murder For Two features zippy songs and lyrics by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair. Mystery novelist Arthur Whitney is murdered at a birthday party — there are suspects galore, all played by the versatile Blumenkranz. He is transformed into a Southern society wife, simpering college girl, an aloof ballerina, a needy psychiatrist, etc., in the blink of an eye.