THEATER REVIEW: Dial "M" for Murder

(From Wendy: Usually I try to get the theater reviews on while the show is still running. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to that for this show. Sorry. Be sure to catch Millbrook's upcoming shows!)

There is something special about summer stock theatre and a good mystery. Millbrook Playhouse chose the classic DIAL "M" FOR MURDER as this year’s thriller and the audience seemed to approve.

The plot may be familiar to some of you, but I had never seen the movie so it was a constant surprise to me and seemed to be new to most of the people watching. From the gasps at the opening to the sighs at the resolution, it was a captive audience.

Director Morgan Sills kept the action moving and his actors in character extremely well. I like a director who makes good use of the stage. Not only was the action well “spaced”, but parts of the setting became important to the plot.

James Cella was well cast as the villain Tony, who blackmails an old college chum into killing his wife. James has the most intense eyes, perfect for a man who plans a brutal murder. After seeing James in the farce Leading Ladies, his switch to heavy drama was impressive.

Tony’s wife, Margot, was played by Grace Experience. Grace also seems comfortable going from farce to drama. ( I felt that she almost stole the show in Leading Ladies!)  DIAL "M" FOR MURDER gave her a chance to show passion, fear and hysteria, always fun for an actress. Grace handled all of it well. Although I did not get a clear feeling of how she felt about her husband, there was no doubt of her feeling for her lover Max.

Travis L. Baker (Max) is an actor that I hope to see again. His portrayal of Margot’s lover was very believable. By quietly playing the part. he kept my attention. This is a sign of a good actor.

Comedy relief was provided by Brady Adair as the Inspector Hubbard. Try to picture Columbo with an English accent. Brady was also a standout in a supporting role in Leading Ladies.

You may have guessed that a big reason that I love going to shows at a theatre like Millbrook is a chance to see the versatility of the actors. Imagine, farce one week and murder/ drama the next. The DIAL "M" FOR MURDER cast was full of surprises.

DIAL "M" FOR MURDER has now been replaced by My Vaudeville Man. On the Ryan Main Stage Ring of Fire will run from July 24 through August 2. Check their website at www.millbrookplayhouse.org for times and availability.