COMMUNITY NEWS
MARATHON WEEKLY / JANUARY 27, 2017
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BRIEFLY United Way offers grants
Joe Kinosian, foreground, and Noel Carey in ‘Murder for Two’
For Everyone, An Instant Comedy “Murder for Two” Plays at The Red Barn Theatre HAYS BLINCKMANN hays@keysweekly.com
“M
urder For Two,” playing at the Red Barn Theatre, is a mesmerizing, delightfully implausible, old-fashioned good time. Imagine a full-production play with a dozen characters and musical score, but only performed by two actors. The charismatic leads are the playwright himself, Joe Kinosian, and Noel Carey, who bring to life the full-fledged musical comedy whodunit murder mystery all on their own. The actors command every inch of the stage in a precisely choreographed off-kilter comedy that is as inventive as it is entertaining. Understanding the cadence of the play takes a few minutes, but after the rhythm reveals itself, settle back and enjoy the show. Policeman Marcus Moscowitz, an overly enthusiastic wannabe detective played by Noel Carey, bumbles through a murder investigation of a high profile novelist while surrounded by a variety of suspects. Each suspect, with distinct visible and character traits, is portrayed by the talented Kinosian. With comedic timing and
physical comedy comparable to classic John Cleese, Kinosian instantaneously switches from a ballet dancer to an un-bereft widow, a wily psychiatrist to a falsetto teenage girl. His skill at creating believable, humorous characters is downright convincing, fascinating and a joy to watch. It’s as if Carey is the maypole that Kinosian dances around, weaving rapid-fire plot and suspense. Both actors take turns at the piano and burst into song underscoring the play’s layered skill and masterly production. Opening night in Key West was Kinosian’s 569th time performing his hit “Murder for Two.” He has been performing and reworking the play since 2009. It has been produced around the world, and the biggest difference among venues, Kinosian said, is “adjusting to the size of the stage, which is always a challenge.” He is referring to The Red Barn Theatre’s most endearing quality, the intimacy between stage and audience, which Kinosian seamlessly mastered. “Murder for Two” has been called “Ingenious!” by the New York Times. Critics around the country have hailed it as one of the best contemporary OffBroadway musicals, calling it a “tour de force” and “vaudeville style romp” – and Key West is lucky to have the show stop here. “We are delighted and thrilled to bring in out-of -town talent to augment local talent,” said Mimi McDonald, Managing Director of the Red Barn, “We jumped on the opportunity to have them.” “MURDER FOR TWO” RUNS UNTIL FEB 11, 2017 www.redbarntheatre.com for showtimes and tickets
The United Way of the Florida Keys is accepting grant applications through March 5 at keysunitedway. org/apply-united-way-funding. 501(c)(3) programs that meet a critical need for working families in Monroe will be considered. Programs include providing access to nutritious food for people in critical need; school-aged, early childhood, or after-care support with an educational or positive behavioral component; and safety net services providing referral and short-term emergency assistance to residents of Monroe County. Relay for Life golf event The Key Colony Beach Relay for Life team will have a golf ball drop and 18-hole golf tournament on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Key Colony Golf Course. Golf balls will be sold at $20 each or six for $100. These balls will be dropped from a helicopter onto a designated target on the course, with the ball landing closest to the target winning $1,000, with second and third place prizes. The tournament will have a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $50 per person, for teams of four or five. For information, call 305743-4350 or 305-289-9859. KAIR needs race sponsors Keys Area Interdenominational Resources is seeking sponsors for its 11th annual Sombrero Beach Run to be held on March 4. Sponsor levels start at $100 and all donations help needy families in the Marathon area. For more info, call 305-743-4582.
Sheriff announces next citizen’s academies The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will be holding its next Citizen’s Police Academies starting the week of March 6 through graduation the week of April 12 at the Marathon airport Sheriff’s hanger. There will be three separate academies held during that time. In the Upper Keys, classes will meet at the Roth Building on Plantation Key. In the Middle Keys, classes will meet at the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Hangar in Marathon. In the Lower Keys, classes will meet at the Sheriff’s Headquarters building on Stock Island. Attendees will be asked to commit to spending one night a week from 6 to 9 p.m. including one ride-along with a deputy. Students attend classes in their own district. Space is limited. Contact Upper Keys Captain Don Fanelli, 305-8533211 or dfanelli@keysso.net; Middle Keys Captain Gene Thompson, 305289-2430 or gthompson@keysso. net; or Lower Keys Captain Don Hiller, 305-745-3184 or dhiller@keysso.net for more information. Garden Club hosts Gabel The monthly Marathon Garden Club meeting will take place on Friday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. at the 5270 Overseas Hwy location. Kim Gabel, Environmental Horticulture agent from the University of Florida Extension Service, will discuss strategies to help become more environmentally friendly while creating beautiful gardens. Guests are always welcome. Call 305-743-4971 or visit marathongardenclub.org for more info.