ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Two actors. Thirteen characters. One piano. A fast-paced murder mystery musical is in town to kick off a theater's special anniversary.
“Murder For Two” is the debut show celebrating the Winter Park Playhouse's 20th anniversary.
Kevin Kelly is a local theater icon. He stars in “Murder For Two” (Joe) alongside Jared Troilo (Marcus). Playing so many characters, Kelly said, “I've drawn from people that I've known throughout my life; they're all cartoons of these people.”
Kelly is a preacher's kid, having lived in all four corners of the United States — and points in between. “Naturally, we were in front of people constantly,” he said, laughing. “We were like the 'Kelly Family Singers'. ”
Kelly has been acting in Central Florida for 20 years. He now has his own studio, teaching other actors how to make a career in theater. He teaches the tricks of the trade he wishes he'd known when starting out. “The one thing that I wish they had told me is how to have a career,” he said. “As far as going out and getting your first job, [I had] no clue.”
The Winter Park Playhouse describes “Murder For Two” as “a zany blend of classic musical comedy and madcap mystery” and “this whodunit is a highly theatrical duet loaded with killer laughs.” Its run goes through Aug. 28, 2022.