**** Highly Recommended Drury Lane Theatre’s production of Dial M for Murder is stylish and sophisticated in a very British way. Seething resentment hides behind drinks and civilized behavior in a posh Mayfair drawing room. The talented cast not only kept everyone’s attention, they were able to convey unspoken nuances too. By the way, the title is something of an anachronism, considering that at least a third of the audience has never used a dial telephone. 4 Spotlights
Tony Wendice (Erik Hellman), a retired tennis pro, is married to Margot (Amanda Drinkall), a woman of means. When Margo’s friend Maxine (Alexandra Silber), an American mystery writer, comes to visit, Tony suspects there is more than just friendship between them.
Angry about the affair, Tony plots the perfect murder and the perfect alibi – he’s on a live radio broadcast with Maxine during the murder. Since he needs an accomplice, he blackmails an old acquaintance, Captain Lesgate (Ian Paul Custer), into doing the actual killing.
Unfortunately for Tony’s planning, Margot fought back when Lesgate tried to strangle her. In desperation, she picked up a pair of scissors and stabbed him. Panicked, Margot calls Tony instead of the police. Even as he offers comfort for his terrified wife, he’s rearranging evidence to frame her for the murder.
Inspector Hubbard (Jonathan Weir), who investigates the murder, eventually arrests Margot even though he knows there was something hinky. When Margot is convicted and sentenced to die, Tony is gleeful, at least until Maxine drops in with a question about a key.
Kudos to director Adam Immerwahr on a terrific production. I must compliment Scenic Designer Paige Hathaway on the gorgeous set. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a posh Mayfair flat complete with hunting prints and a drinks cart – essentials in a British drawing room. If you look carefully, you’ll notice that real rain is falling outside the floor to ceiling French doors!
This production of Dial M for Murder is Jeffrey Hatcher’s new adaptation of Frederick Knott’s original. Its first appearance was on BBC Television as Episode 12 of the third season of a series called Sunday Night Theatre on March 23, 1952. It moved to the West End in June, followed by a Broadway premiere in October of the same year. Knott went on to wrote the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film starring Grace Kelly, Ray Milland and Robert Cummings. Knott also wrote Wait until Dark and Write Me A Murder.
Dial M for Murder runs through October 26th at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Parking is free. Running time is one hour, 45 minutes, with an intermission. Performances: Wednesdays at 1:30 pm; Thursdays at 1:30 & 7:00 pm; Fridays at 7:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 & 6:00 pm. Tickets range from $75-$150 (including taxes & fees). FYI (630) 530-0111 or www.drurylanetheatre.com.