By Rikki Lee Travolta
“Everyone loves a mystery,” notes Northlight Theatre’s artistic director BJ Jones in introducing the company’s staggeringly good production of “Dial M for Murder.” Continuing the thought with a hint of intrigue, Jones teases, “The puzzle to find out the truth is a rarely a simple straight line.”
“Dial M for Murder” was originally written by England’s Frederick Knott as a stage play, then later adapted for television and film. The most famous incarnation of “Dial M for Murder” is the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock film noir, for which Knott did the screenplay. However, prior to the successful film, the play was performed on BBC television in 1952, followed by stage openings in London’s West End and New York’s Broadway district that same year.
The story involves the married couple of Tony and Margot Wendice. She is a socialite with vast inheritance, he married her for her money. After years of neglecting his wife, Tony discovers that she is having an affair. Afraid of being left penniless in a divorce, Tony’s solution is to meticulously plan her murder, which will leave him with all of her money.
In 2022 a new adaptation of “Dial M for Murder” by Jeffrey Hatcher opened at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, CA. Enthusiastically received, the new version changes the nature of the extramarital affair to that between Margot and another woman. Previously the affair was with one of Tony’s male associates. Still set in the 1950s, the play’s incorporation of a lesbian relationship adds a whole new level of intrigue to the story.
For the Northlight Theatre production playing through January 7, 2024, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL, Lucy Carapetyan and Ryan Hallahan star as Margot and Tony. Margot’s lover Maxine Hadley, a mystery writer, is played by Elizabeth Laidlaw. Nick Sandys plays Inspector Hubbard and Filipe Carrasco plays Lesgate, the minor-league white collar criminal that Tony cons into trying to kill his wife for him.
Hatcher’s script is tight and filled with suspense. There are some nice comic asides as well that keep the dialogue fresh and moving. The setting is still the 1950s, but the changes in the characteristics of the players add a great deal to the show. Hatcher’s signature flourishes take the script from being interesting to being absolutely captivating.
Carapetyan is a strong actress. She opens the show demonstrating Margot’s delicate nature, making her an easy target for her husband’s nefarious plans. However, as the play goes on, she starts to display elements of strength. The culmination of her character change is brought home with a subtle facial expression as the lights go down at the conclusion of the evening’s entertainment. It is a powerful performance.
Margot’s crime novelist lover Maxine is portrayed with the utmost excellence by Shakespearian-trained Elizabeth Laidlaw. She is a contrast to Margot, older and more confident. Her performance is well-layered. Her affection for Margot, and her inability to hide it, are very effectively conveyed through words, movement, and subtle glance.
According to a study published by Trends in Psychology, the main reason for a married woman’s infidelity involves emotional undernourishment. Laidlaw instills in Maxine the exact nurturing characteristics that make Margot’s attraction to her make sense. It is not a strictly sexual affair, but rather one of emotion and support.
In the original “Dial M for Murder,” Tony is a retired tennis pro. For his adaptation, Hatcher has changed the character to a failed writer now working in publicity for a publisher. This adds to Tony’s inferiority complex, feeling overwhelmed not only by the shadow of his wife’s financial position but also by the success and fame of Maxine as a writer. Not only is his wife having an affair, not only is it with a woman; but Tony’s wife sees in her lover the success that he has never been capable of.
Hallahan is impressively detailed in his interpretation of Tony. He doesn’t make the easy choices, but instead the ones that create the most captivating overall story. Hallahan’s Tony is not an angry man. His desire to control his wife comes with such a level of calm that it clearly suggests his sociopathic nature. One must be a sociopath to approach murder so emotionally detached. He has no problem smiling and expressing niceties to his wife while secretly plotting her demise.
The would-be murderer Lesgate also has his personality deficiencies. He wants to con Tony, but gets conned in the process. He is not the sharpest tool in the shed, which is why Tony can manipulate him, and why Margot is able to parry his attack and gain the upper hand. Carrasco does an excellent job of bringing Lesgate to life.
No crime drama is complete without the right sleuth trying to solve it. Nick Sandys is formidable in his portrayal of Inspector Hubbard. Sandys is a recognizable actor, with many film, television, and theatrical credits. That experience is clear as he delivers strong character choices, creating just the right mortar to keep the structure of the story stout.
Northlight Theatre’s production of “Dial M for Murder” is a rousing success. Director Georgette Verdin has created a piece of entertainment faithful to the spirit of the original Knott script, while taking full advantage of the changes made in Hatcher’s new adaptation. Northlight’s associate artistic director, Verdin is a skilled puppet master who delivers a thrilling dramatic work that audiences are guaranteed to find fascinating and fulfilling.
The play features original music and sound design by Chris Kriz. Costumes are well orchestrated by Raquel Adorno. Lighting design by Eric Watkins is phenomenal, capturing all the key elements of a noir experience. Set design is nicely done by Mara Zinky. In particular, the way Zinky incorporates a chandelier to the set is beautifully done. Stage management is by Katie Klemme. Publicity is by Cathy Taylor Public Relations.
“Dial M for Murder” has been described as a modern classic. The new production currently running through January 7, 2024 at Northlight Theatre, holds true to that statement. Featuring a fresh and inventive script, cleaver direction, and premium acting, Northlight’s “Dial M for Murder” is a thriller that is sure to keep you on the edge-of-your-seat.
“Dial M for Murder” plays Wednesdays through Sundays, with matinee options offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Performances take place at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts at 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie.
For tickets call the box office at (847) 673-6300 or visit www.Northlight.org.
Promotional photos by Greg Inda.
Production photos by Michael Brosilow.
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