Jan. 16, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — Pioneer Theatre Company’s “Dial M for Murder” offers a new take on Frederick Knott’s classic thriller.
This Jeffrey Hatcher adaptation offers about two hours of twists, turns, hidden motives, failed plans, new plans, and a murder for one character and punishment for another.
The action plays out in 1952 London, in the classy apartment of monied couple Tony and Margot Wendice (Dan Domingues and Awesta Zarif), whose relationship seems just a little strained. Scenic designer James Noone surrounds with smokey and damaged looking mirrors, providing a visual commentary on all they reflect.
The Wendices’ clever friend, Maxine Hadley (Lucy Lavely), is an engaging and quirky murder-mystery writer, whom Tony represents through her publishing company, and who has a deep friendship and history with Margot.
But all three are keeping secrets, which bring some of them into contact with a man called Lesgate (Aaron Cammack) and all of them together with an inspector named Hubbard (Pete Howard).
It’s a five-person cast in which each character is well-drawn and excellently portrayed, whether their key motives are avarice, a wish for love, a taboo desire, or the need to solve a mystery and save a life.
Michael John Garcés directs this mystery, co-produced by the Arizona Theatre Company.
Except mystery isn’t quite the right word, because it is clear early on who is behind the murderous plot. The only real question is what the perpetrator will do next as circumstances change, and whether a wrongly accused victim will be saved or sacrificed.
The actors all have strong chemistry together, and one brings some humor to the mix by seeming to know less than is actually known. They take full advantage of their space and use postures and stage movements to depict their characters’ inner reactions.
The set is beautiful, and the costumes are suited to the characters and era, with only a few outfits hinting that the story is from the 1950s.
And the dialog is beautifully written, although it starts to seem just a little long-winded toward the end.
“Dial M for Murder” provides a smart and entertaining evening of suspense, betrayals, clever conversation, and a satisfying resolution.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, and 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, through Jan. 20. The 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 show will be ASL interpreted. For theater and ticket information, and to learn about upcoming shows, visit this link.
