"Jeff Blumenkrantz has brought his brilliant comedic chops to every single one of 'The Suspects' and I'm so excited to step into all of their shoes," said Kinosian in an earlier statement. "I couldn't be more in awe of Jeff's talent and have delighted in watching his work at Second Stage Uptown and, currently, at New World Stages. Having played the role at Chicago Shakespeare, I'm thrilled to get a chance to do it again."
Brett Ryback continues in the role of Marcus, the show's lovable, if not experienced, detective.
The production, which was originally scheduled to play a limited engagement through Jan. 5, continues through March 16. Murder For Two features book and music by Kinosian, book and lyrics by Kellen Blair and direction by Scott Schwartz.
The physical Off-Broadway cast album will hit shelves Feb. 11 and is produced by Joel Moss, with Kurt Deutsch serving as executive producer. To pre-order, click here. For other theatrical merchandise, visit the Playbill Store.
Producers Jayson Raitt, Barbara Whitman, Steven Chaikelson and Second Stage Theatre present the production, which began performances Oct. 23, 2013, prior to an official opening Nov. 6, at New World's Stage 5. Here's how the musical is billed: "Everyone is a suspect in Murder For Two, a hilarious musical murder mystery with a twist: one actor (Ryback) investigates the crime, the other plays all of the suspects (Blumenkrantz) and they both play the piano! A zany blend of classic musical comedy and madcap mystery, this 90-minute whodunit is a highly theatrical duet loaded with killer laughs."
Kinosian and Blair are the recipients of the 2011 Joseph Jefferson Award, recognizing Murder for Two as the Best New Musical Work in Chicago following its seven-month run at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Prior to Chicago, developmental productions took place at the Adirondack Theater Festival, the Hangar Theater and 42nd Street Moon. Their work has been showcased at the York Theater's 2012 NEO Concert, The Kennedy Center's Broadway Today and Tomorrow series, The Kauffman Center's Bound for Broadway concert and a November 2012 New York Theatre Barn Concert. Past work includes Pirates Don't Change Diapers for TheatreWorks USA.
Other members of the creative team include scenic designer Beowulf Boritt, costume designer Andrea Lauer, lighting designer Jason Lyons and sound designer Jill BC DuBoff.
For more information, visit MurderForTwoMusical.com.