The psychological thriller “Dial M for Murder” was performed by the Theater To Go production company at MCCC’s Kelsey Theatre from March 18-27. The play, written by Frederick Knott, is based on the Alfred Hitchcock movie of the same name and offers a suspense-filled story about a jealous husband who plots the murder of his heiress wife after he finds out she has been having an affair. Overall it was a mysterious play that held many similarities to its movie counterpart.
The Kelsey production was directed by Ruth Markoe, who has been working in theater since 1992 and included key performers Sean Buckley as the husband Tony Wendice, and Rachel Green as his wife Margot.
“Dial M for Murder” is a play that had everything from love, betrayal, drama, and even murder. The Theater to Go version featured a multitude of great talent.
Markoe said, “To make a good production you need good scripts, good directors and actors.”
The play follows Tony Wendice, a former tennis professional, who after discovering his wife’s affair plans her murder. Margot Wendice, Tony’s wife, lives as a wealthy social butterfly who has been secretly having an affair with crime writer Mark Halliday.
For the next year, Tony forms his master plan by blackmailing his former college friend Swann into committing the murder for her fortune. While undertaking this missiong, the two men assume aliases: Captain Fisher and Captain Lesgate.
Soon after setting their scheme in motion, the plan goes awry. Margot instead kills Lesgate and she ends up charged with murder and placed on death row.
In a last-ditch effort to save his lover, Mark reaches out to Tony only to find the truth.
In the closing acts Mark and Chief Inspector Hubbard, the officer on the case, set up a trap to lure the true culprit. In the end, Tony was caught and sat down with Hubbard to enjoy one last drink.
Sean Buckley, who played Tony, said, “I feel like plays so often are either super serious.”
He added, “I think it gives it a unique spirit that really doesn’t exist in most mysteries. Mysteries don’t always feel this cozy.”
Rachel Green, who played Margot, said, “It’s interesting just developing relationships with the other characters.”
The set itself was reminiscent of its cinematic counterpart. The center featured old furniture as if it was directly pulled out of the 1950s itself. In the background were shelves filled with vintage picture frames and silverware. Despite the attention to detail, the most notable of anything on set was the blazing fireplace that illuminated the set with contrasting visuals.
The audience was sure to never miss out as well. The auditorium was brimming with eyes fixed on the stage, hanging on every word of the talented actors.
When asked what her favorite scene was, a local named Christine said she liked “The scene they did when Lesgate tried to kill Margo and he ended up getting killed.”
“Dial M for Murder” was an intense ride with fascinating mystery and even better actors.
Ruth Markoe said, “It was a great cast. Easy to work with. They know how to take directions and they are just a truly outstanding cast.”
