Dial M for Murder

[Jane Zussman]

You know how some plays adapted from movies often suffer from too many scene changes? Well, Dial M for Murder's 1952 script was first a play in London’s West End and on Broadway— so it is tensely confined to a single set, the Wendice’s tasteful 1952 London flat, complete with fireplace. (Scenic design: Ranae Selmeyer) Alfred Hitchcock conspired with playwright Frederick Knott to produce the classic 1954 film starring Grace Kelly and John Williams.

The show manages to be both nostalgic and modern. This 2022 adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher (approved by the Knott estate) keeps the original setting of 1950s London but changes the character of “Max Halliday” to “Maxine Hadley,” making the love affair with Margot a lesbian one. Other changes tighten and streamline the piece. It is only about two hours, which includes intermission.

This is a true “thriller” with its fast-paced, high-stakes plot featuring suspense and anxiety with  twist upon twist in the plot. (Try to keep track of those keys and notes and coats and handbags!) We know who the bad guy is. Will he succeed in his nefarious plot? 

Williamston Theatre’s production, directed by Jasmine Rivera, features a cast of five: Ryan Patrick Welsh is charmingly devious as the plotting husband. Patrick Loos (the recent avuncular Watson in A Sherlock Carol) is convincing as his henchman. Jamie Elvey makes her Willliamston debut as the endangered wife, and the sophisticated Yolanda Davis is her paramour. Williamston favorite, Tobin Hissong, is back as the thoughtful Inspector Hubbard who knows more than you think.

Kudos to both lighting designer (Harley Miah) and fight/intimacy director (Alexis Black) for a complex and crucial scene of violence that put us all on the edge of our seats. 

This familiar title is selling well, so make reservations soon for Dial M for Murder which continues through March 8. Remember, Williamston has 2pm matinees on Thursdays now, as well as Saturdays and Sundays. 

https://www.williamstontheatre.org

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

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