I must apologize to Northlight Theatre. I had every intention of promptly posting this review but I got sick, so here we are. Mea culpa!
**** Recommended Although I’d seen Dial M for Murder, a 1954 movie starring Grace Kelly, Ray Milland and Robert Cummings, many years ago, I don’t think I’d ever seen the play. Northlight Theatre’s production is clever, stylish and sophisticated but it’s also something of an anachronism, considering that at least a third of the audience has never used a dial telephone. 4 Spotlights
Tony (Ryan Hallahan), a retired tennis pro, is married to Margot (Lucy Carapetyan), a woman of means. When Margo’s friend Maxine (Elizabeth Laidlaw), 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, Lesgate (Felipe Carrasco), into doing the actual killing.
Unfortunately for Lesgate, Margot fought back when he tried to strangle her. In desperation, she picked up a pair of scissors and stabbed him. Panicked, Margot calls Tony instead of the police. Offering comfort, he rearranges everything to frame her for the murder.
Inspector Hubbard (Nick Sandys) investigates the murder, eventually arresting Margot even though he knew there was something hinky. When eventually Margot is convicted and sentenced to die, Tony is gleeful, until Maxine drops in with a question about a key.
Kudos to Director Georgette Verdin, these five actors were perfect for their parts – so very British, stiff upper lip and all! When Nick Sandys spoke, I felt like he was an actual inspector. Dial M for Murder takes place in a luxurious Mayfair flat. Kudos to Set Designer Mara Zinky for the totally ‘60s, mid-century modern décor.
Dial M for Murder ran through January 7th at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Running time was just about 2 hours with an intermission.
Next up for Northlight: Selling Kabul, January 25th through February 25th