Trace Pool and Martin Landry
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To close out our 2019 season, we are proud to present a comedic holiday-themed murder mystery!
It's Christmas Eve... and while there shouldn't be a creature stirring (not even a mouse), a mystery writer has been murdered. With a bevy of suspects, an intrepid police officer aims to identify the killer. This musical features just two actors - one playing the investigator, one playing the variety of suspects - and the only weapon at their disposal is a piano. Can the officer make his suspects spill their guts and sing?
Murder for Two
features just two incredibly talented and multi-faceted actors. We sat down with them to get to know them better.
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Stage Secrets:
How have you been enjoying Cape May? Is this your first time visiting?
Trace Pool: I’m originally from Texas so honestly I had never even heard of Cape May, and I have fallen in love with this secret little treasure of a city. On my days off I love to bike around exploring, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to learn more about the rich history. Also, Cape May is FULL of independent artisan shoppes and amazing dining. Fins Bar and Grille threw our team a wonderful opening night party, and now all of a sudden I LOVE chicken wings? I also am a big fan of “self-care“ products, and I stocked up on some amazing candles and soaps from Olde Pear Primitives. Some of the theatre patrons have also told me about some local venues I need to visit for great live music, like the Mad Batter. If anyone else has any ideas for things to do or want to join me, hit me up!
SS:
How long have you been playing the piano? Do you play any other instruments?
TP: I started teaching myself piano when I was 10. Piano lessons weren’t an option for me as a kid, but I wanted badly to play. I joined my middle school choir and stayed on through high school (Two-Year Choir President nerd-alert,) and the more I learned about music theory, I transferred that to my piano practice. Then I took a semester of private piano lessons my freshman year of college. That was great because I had years of practice already under my belt from being-self taught, and my professor sort of went back to give me “Page 1 of Technique” and that’s really when my playing took off.
I also play banjo, guitar, ukulele, and mandolin, but piano is by far my favorite and most proficient of the bunch.
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SS:
You recently relocated to from Texas to New York, how have you been enjoying NYC?
TP: NYC is my second home now. I did another production of “Murder For Two” in Texas for four months earlier this year, and it was so nice being back in my old stomping grounds and I’d happily work there any day of the year, but I was homesick for NYC. It can be a hard place to live and I don’t think it’s my forever-city, but it’s where I need to be right now while I’m young and pounding the pavement.
SS:
Are you a Christmas lover or more of a Scrooge?
TP: I fall between. I tend to go all-out celebrating and I try to get into the spirit of every holiday, but I also recognize that this time of year can be hard for a lot of people. That’s one reason Murder For Two is a great way to celebrate the holidays. There’s nothing like watching a musical-homicide to make you realize your own Christmas probably isn’t that bad!
SS:
Any upcoming projects or social media profiles you want to plug?
TP: Until contracts are signed I never announce anything. But I am looking forward to plugging more of my original work (poems, songs, stand-up) in a more cabaret setting in 2020. The only way to keep track of me is through my Instagram
@tracepool. Forewarning: you’re gonna see a lot of videos of me training my cat to do circus tricks.
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Stage Secrets:
How have you been enjoying Cape May? Is this your first time visiting?
Martin Landry: This is my first time here, and I am LOVING it. I understand it's a much different place in the summer, but I'm quite the fan of Cape May in November. I'm told the holidays are even more special, so ask me again in a month. I might just move here.
SS:
How long have you been playing the piano? Do you play any other instruments?
ML: I've been playing piano since I was 7, so I'm approaching three decades (!!) with the instrument. I also play accordion, but, thankfully for you, you won't see that in MURDER FOR TWO.
SS:
You play a variety of characters in Murder for Two, do you have a personal favorite?
ML: Hands down, my favorite is Dahlia Whitney, the attention-starved widow who doesn't seem too put off by her husband's sudden death. The things that come out of her mouth never fail to surprise an audience, and it's such a joy to live that every night!
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SS:
Are you a Christmas lover or more of a Scrooge?
ML: I'm absolutely a Christmas lover, but I prefer to let Thanksgiving happen first. After Thanksgiving, BRING IT ON. However, Murder For Two is just as enjoyable in November as it is in December, so if anyone considers themselves a Scrooge/Grinch type, I promise you'll love this show, no matter when you see it! After all, who doesn't love a good murder right around the holidays??
SS:
In addition to acting on stage, we saw that you have performed in several web videos, are any of them a favorite?
ML: One of my videos gets semi-viral and shared a lot each year. It's just me lip-syncing to a really,
really bad recording of O Holy Night, but it resurfaces and gains around 100,000+ views every year. I'm oddly proud of it, and I hope anyone who watches gets a hearty laugh out of it
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Nov 29th - Dec 29th
Thurs & Fri at 7:30 PM
Sun at 3:00 PM
In The Harrison Room
at Congress Hall
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With Christmas soon approaching, Santa and Mrs. Claus head to their favorite vacation spot for some rest and relaxation. With the assistance of their new friend Blue, Mr. and Mrs. Claus soon meet some of the ghosts hanging around Congress Hall and find the holiday spirit they were searching for!
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Get into the Holiday Spirit with this amazing package and save 10% of regular ticket prices!
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Cape May Stage’s version of a red carpet event! When you purchase an
Opening Night 5 Show Package
, you are guaranteed the same seats for every opening night performance. Start the evening with a fun Pre-Show Soiree at the theater where you can walk the red carpet in style. After the show, you are invited to join us for an After-Party where you can meet the cast, crew and creative team!
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After weeks of rehearsal, the preview performance is the first time all of the theatrical elements combine together in front of an audience. The preview allows you to see a show that is still technically "in development" as we prepare for opening night.
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For every mainstage show, one performance is immediately followed by a Talk-Back with the cast, crew, and creative team. These talk-backs are amazing opportunities to learn more about the show and discover fascinating information about the creative process.
The
Talk-Back Package
allows you to attend all talk-back performances at the discounted price
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On Black Friday (November 29th) and Cyber Monday (December 2nd), Cape May Stage is increasing the amount of purchased
gift cards!
For every
$25 spent, you will receive an
additional $5. This can be added to the gift card being purchased, or added to a separate gift card.
A gift card to Cape May Stage is the perfect gift for the theatre lover in your life!
Gift cards can be used to:
- Buy tickets online, in person, or over the phone
- Buy a package or passport
- Donate to Cape May Stage
- Purchase a chocolate bar or beverage while enjoying the show
Gift cards will arrive with a decorative card holder for you to personalize for your friend or loved one receiving the gift card.
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The mission of the
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program
is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. We have a drop off box at the theater, so please feel free to bring an unwrapped toy with you next time you come to see a show!
Please be aware that Toys for Tots does not accept toys that resemble a realistic weapon or toys that contain food.
In addition, toys and gifts geared towards
teens and pre-teens
are in particular demand. The foundation usually has to purchase additional items to supplement this category.
In the past, items purchased for these groups have included, but are not limited to: sporting equipment/ bags/balls; books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars/trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners, and hair dryers.
Thank you for helping to brighten the holidays for children in need!
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