Teeming With Twists and Turns

Dial M for Murder

Tony Wendice once achieved fame as a pro tennis champion. Then he tried his hand at writing, but when he failed in that endeavor he worked his way up to become the head of public relations for a London publishing firm. Yearning for a cushier life style, Wendice charmed and married lovely Margot, an heiress with a fortune. The two now live a very privileged life in one of London’s more fashionable neighborhoods. But while Tony is busy promoting the new novels of famous authors, Margot tries to occupy herself keeping house, shopping and volunteering at most of London’s major museums. But the young woman is bored with her life. 

Enter Maxine Hadley, a famous American author of popular thrillers and murder mysteries. As an author with a new book that Tony’s busy promoting, Margot is introduced to the capable and clever writer. Immediately to the two women become close friends, and eventually much more. Although Tony isn’t a loving husband, having wed Margot only for her fortune, he becomes jealous that his wife’s attention seems directed at someone else. Tony notices that Margot has been receiving a lot of personal correspondence lately, and that she keeps one of the letters in her purse. Tony secretly steals it and then blackmails his wife, which sets this thrilling murder mystery, with all its teeming twists and turns, in motion.

Helmed by Associate Artistic Director Georgette Verdin, she has done a masterful job in her Northlight directing debut. Ms. Verdin skillfully guides this tension-filled production of Jeffrey Hatcher’s new adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 thriller. Previous examples of Ms. Verdin’s fine work include “Night Watch” for Raven Theatre Ensemble, “The Writer” at Steep Theatre and the excellent “Chagall in School” at Grippo Stage Company. In this inaugural outing, Ms. Verdin proves once again that she’s a talented and creative director.

As always at Northlight Theatre, the cast for this show is impeccable. Ryan Hallahan is remarkable in his first Northlight appearance as sinister villain, Tony Wendice. He plays the charming, cool and cunning psychopathic husband with the lean and hungry look of a sneaky fox. Continually plotting and improvising as the story shifts and swerves, Tony is the definition of “smarmy.” And Mr. Hallahan, whose credits include Steppenwolf’s electrifying “Pass Over,” Writers Theatre’s “The Last Match” and Chicago Shakespeare’s “Pericles,” among many others, is quite stunning in this role. Keep your eye on this handsome and talented young man, especially as he clandestinely manipulates the events of this play.

Lucy Carapetyan, who previously appeared in Northlight’s delightful production of “You Can’t Take It With You,” brings the audience along with her on Margot’s tense and frightening journey. Watch this skilled actress, who starts the play as a meek, mild married woman, who soon becomes paranoid and panicked, not knowing who she can trust. Margot carefully and shrewdly travels from bored spouse to victim to manic militant. Margot is a most endearing character, which can all be attributed to Ms. Carapetyan’s captivating performance.

As Maxine Hadley, the gifted Elizabeth Laidlaw is ideally cast. She brings so much style and substance to this role. Maxine is every inch the sophisticated mystery writer with whom we can appreciate Margot’s fascination and adoration. Ms. Laidlaw plays Maxine as an intelligent and quick-witted woman who manages to keep one step ahead of Tony, especially in Act II. Margot is particularly fascinated by the writer’s list of the five reasons people commit murder. They include money, fear, jealousy, revenge and the desire to protect someone who’s loved. It’s a laundry list of motives that all come into play here. The audience finds themselves immersed in this mystery while it moves stealthily toward its surprising climax.

Felipe Carrasco also makes his Northlight Theatre debut as Lesgate. This equally sinister character, who knew Tony from their days at Cambridge, is a wheeler-dealer. Known to the police by many names, and having already served time in prison, Lesgate becomes involved with Tony Wendice under the pretext of selling a used car. However, as the obnoxious and ominous young man soon learns, he’s been lured to the luxurious Wendice flat for more illicit purposes. In this role, Mr. Carrasco does a fine job. 

But besides Ryan Hallahan, perhaps the actor audiences will remember most from this tension-filled, often humorous production, is the always commanding Nick Sandys. He brilliantly portrays Inspector Hubbard with wit and wisdom. Last seen in Northlight’s wonderful holiday offering, “Mr. Dickens’ Hat,” Nick Sandys is an English actor who has impressed in such plays as Remy Bumppo’s “Pygmalion,” “Frankenstein” and the magnificent “An Inspector Calls.” Mr. Sandys’ mellifluous voice deliciously caresses every word and directive uttered by this whip-smart London detective, making his character as likable as he is officious. The director makes great use of Mr. Sandys’ vocal talent by also casting him as the voice heard on the play’s BBC radio program. Nick also makes the obligatory pre-show announcements, as well. Nick Sandys is absolutely faultless in this role.

With a stylish and stunning set design by Mara Zinky, the shadowy film noir lighting by Eric Watkins and a sound design and original music by Chris Kriz, this production is glossy and glamorous. And Raquel Adorno, who costumed Steppenwolf’s production of “POTUS,” as well Northlight’s recent productions of “Intimate Apparel” and “Georgina and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley,” has created a wardrobe of chic and spectacular gowns, casual wear and men’s attire that are quite stylish. Every costume bespeaks the 1950’s and adds so much to the affluent look of the characters.

Georgette Verdin’s incredible production of Jeffrey Hatcher’s contemporary rewrite of Frederick Knott’s murder mystery is filled with a myriad of twists and turns. The talented cast keeps the story moving along at a brisk pace, always surprising the audience by introducing startling, new information and characters. Theatergoers will be on the edge of their seats throughout this tension-filled melodrama until the final curtain. Already extended through the New Year, this is one exciting play theatergoers won’t want to miss!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 30-January 7 by Northlight Theatre, located in the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the theatre box office, by calling 847-673-6300, or by going to www.northlight.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.