Yellow Tree Theatre opened their 17th season with the play Dial M For Murder, in a new adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher, based on the original play by Frederick Knott. This is the same script that the Guthrie Theater presented in their 2023/2024 season.
What is different between the Guthrie’s production and Yellow Tree’s production? Obviously, the Guthrie’s stage is much bigger, and the scenery was bigger and bolder too. This is where I feel Yellow Tree’s production shines, with its smaller stage and more intimate setting feeling perfect for this story with a cast of 4 actors. The intimacy of the stage really draws you into this production of the play. You feel like you are part of the action.
I had originally considered Dial M For Murder a “Whodunnit?” It was pointed out to me recently that this play is actually a “Will He Get Away with It?”
In the updated script, the husband, Tony, is no longer an ex-tennis player. Now he is working at a publishing company. Max, the American that Margo has the infidelity with, is no longer a man, but is the woman Maxine. Which is very progressive for the play’s 1950s setting.
The set for Dial M for Murder. Photo by Ernest Edwards. |
I did not catch it until the curtain call, but actor Edwin
Strout played both Lesgate and Inspector Hubbard. Between the costumes, and
facial hair, I must have had a Clark Kent versus Superman moment with Strout.
Normally I can spot when there is double/triple/quadruple casting going on.
Bravo to Strout for his portrayal of these two different characters.
Adeline Phelps does a great job portraying Margo, the wife. Her
character goes through a lot in this play, and Phelps is able to find the
emotions and strength to carry her character through the trials and tribulations
that Margo goes through.
I also really liked Erika Soukup as Maxine. Maxine had a suavity about her. She was confident, elegant, and intelligent.
Maxine also knew that somehow Tony was behind all of this. Will she be
able to prove it? You will have go see the play to find those answers.
As Tony, Charles Fraser puts on the guise of a loving,
caring and attentive husband to his wife Margo. Meanwhile, he is plotting her
death and what he’s going to do with her fortune when she is gone. Fraser
portrayed both sides of this duplicitous character very well. His Tony gives
off a great deal of confidence. Will his confidence be his undoing?
Dial M For Murder plays at Yellow Tree Theatre through October 13, 2024. Get out and see this fun mystery play.