A new podcast is making waves with its unique blend of comedy, mystery, and camp. "Does This Murder Make Me Look Gay?!" is the brainchild of screenwriter Ted Malawer, known for "Red, White & Royal Blue." His latest project promises a flamboyant and theatrical experience that harks back to old radio plays and classic campy murder mysteries.
Through the podcast, the narrative unfolds via the whimsical musings of the deceased filmmaker Vandy Monroe III. Monroe, brought to life by Jonathan Freeman (the iconic voice of Jafar in Disney’s "Aladdin"), sets the tone in the opening episode, raising not just the question of who the murderer is, but also why, in what attire, and who styled them.
The plot thickens as Monroe gathers his so-called "mortal enemies," a close-knit yet sarcastically described group, at his Hudson Valley home after receiving ominous messages. A snowstorm ensues, trapping everyone inside and leading to Monroe's untimely death. This thrilling turn of events leads to an investigation by a mystery writer, portrayed by Michael Urie, while the guests, each brimming with personality, turn into both suspects and sleuths.
Ted Malawer's vision aims to encapsulate the essence of Broadway with the exaggerated flair of camp. Complementing this vision, the guest characters are portrayed with entertaining flamboyance by a star-studded cast. Cheyenne Jackson voices a British porn star, Frankie Grande plays the heir to a furniture retail empire, and Nathan Lee Graham takes on the role of an interior designer. Among other illustrious voices, Lea Salonga, Lea DeLaria, and Kate McKinnon (as a cockatoo named Angela Lansfairy) enrich the narrative with their talents.
Malawer’s goal was to craft a narrative experience that was unequivocally "so gay" and as "Broadway" as possible. While heavily leaning on humour, the podcast doesn’t shy away from delivering meaningful substance.