THEATRE REVIEW
– “Dial ‘M’ for Murder”
“Dial ‘M’ for Murder” at the Lonny Chapman Theater (Photo – Doug Engalla).
Having recently seen The Group Rep’s excellent revival production of another 1950’s murder mystery set in England, “Witness For the Prosecution,” I was eagerly anticipating seeing “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” another twisting and turning, dialogue heavy, murder mystery also set in the ’50’s, and I was not disappointed.
By Carol Edger Germain
It had been quite awhile since I had seen the movie version of Hitchcock’s production of Frederick Knott’s story, but remembered the basics of the plot, i.e., husband (Tony Wendice, played by Adam Jonas Segaller) concocts a complicated but clever plot to have his cheating wife (Margot Wendice, played by Carrie Schroeder) murdered, but a glitch in his carefully choreographed plan sends the bumbling murderer (Captain Lesgate a.k.a. Charles Swann, played by Michael Robb) to the morgue instead.
Follow the evolving plot as the wife’s lover (Mark Halliday, played by Justin Waggle) devises a plan to save her which requires the husband’s sacrifice. But does it really play out that way? Well, you’ll just have to pick the brain of the shrewd Inspector Hubbard (played by Doug Haverty) to get the full scoop.
“Dial ‘M’ for Murder” is playing at the Lonny Chapman Theater in Burbank (Photo – Doug Engalla).
No spoilers here, in case you haven’t seen the movie, but even if you have, it’s still intriguing to watch it develop, and this live version lacks nothing, the additional sets in the movie aren’t necessary for the tension and climax of the plot.
And kudos to director Bruce Kimmel for guiding the actors and making sure each pulled their weight in keeping the banter, planning, and execution of the plot moving along with believability. Set, lighting and costuming were up to par with the acting, definitely put the audience in 1950’s ambience.
Three remaining dates – don’t miss it!
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