Mystery or Thriller

Dial M For Murder

To paraphrase Robert Frost, two roads diverge in the theatre. One is the Mystery and the other is the Thriller. But aren’t they the same, you may ask? Not exactly, although they’re definitely related. In a Mystery, a crime is presented and for the rest of the play, which is usually slowly paced, someone attempts to solve it. The Mystery lets the audience try to figure out whodunit, along with the characters. But in a Thriller, which is usually fast-paced and progresses in the here and now, the stakes are high. Thrillers are moody and provide heightened tension, suspense, fear, surprise and anxiety. There’s often an unexpected twist and usually much more action than in the Mystery. The Thriller is dark and gritty and explores the dangerous side of human nature. Also, the Thriller places the theatergoer inside the story, casting him or her as the worried observer. 

DIAL M FOR MURDER is definitely a Thriller. One of the characters in the play tells her lover that there are five reasons for committing a murder. Of them, the devious accrual of money seems to be the primary motive behind the murder planned in this play. Jeffrey Hatcher’s 2022 crime thriller is an adaptation of Frederick Knott’s original 1952 play, as well as the classic Alfred Hitchcock film that hit screens two years later. However, that movie, which starred Grace Kelly and Ray Milland, is a little different than Hatcher’s script. His adaptation is more contemporary, especially in that the scandalous extramarital love affair centers around a same sex couple. And the updated thriller has more plot twists and excitement than the original.

Tony Wendice had once been a famous as a tennis champion. He tried his hand at writing, but when he failed Tony joined a London publishing firm, working his way up to head of public relations. Yearning for a cushier life style, the charismatic Wendice charmed and married 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 London’s major museums. But the young woman is bored with her life.

Maxine Hadley, a famous American author of popular thrillers and murder mysteries, becomes friends with the couple. As an author with a new book that Tony’s busy promoting, Margot finds the clever writer fascinating. Almost immediately 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. So Tony secretly steals it and then secretly blackmails his wife, which sets this thrilling murder mystery, with all its teeming twists and turns, in motion.

This excellent production is tautly Directed by Adam Immerwahr, in his debut at Drury Lane Theatre. Jeffrey Hatcher’s creepy and alluring period thriller is presented with style and unrelenting suspense because Mr. Immerwahr has done a masterful job. Skillfully staging and guiding this tension-filled production, Adam proves that he’s a talented and creative Director who really knows what he’s doing.

As always at Drury Lane Theatre, the entire cast for this play is top-notch. Amanda Drinkall is unquestionably one of Chicago’s finest young actors. She most recently appeared as Blanche DuBois in Paramount’s magnificent A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Other noteworthy performances from a vast resume of respected theatrical work include THE CHERRY ORCHARD at the Goodman, KING CHARLES III at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the provocative WIFE OF A SALESMAN at Writers, among many other productions. As Margot, the heroine of this thriller, Ms. Drinkall takes the audience along with her on a tense and terrifying journey. The talented young actress starts out the play as a meek and mild married woman, but she soon becomes paranoid and panicked. Through some frightening events Margot has no idea who she can trust anymore. But then she cautiously and shrewdly progresses from bored and shy spouse, to vulnerable victim and then on to manic militant. Margot is one of theatre’s most captivating characters which, in this production, can be attributed to Ms. Drinkall’s powerful and thrilling performance.

Normally cast as the hero, Erik Hellman breaks with his own tradition by turning in a remarkably smooth and ingratiating performance as sinister villain, Tony Wendice. He plays the charming, cool and cunning psychopathic husband with the lean and hungry look of a fox. Continually plotting and improvising on a dime, as the story shifts and swerves Tony is the definition of “smarmy.” And Mr. Hellman, whose diverse credits include TRANSLATIONS at Writers, 1776 at the Marriott and LITTLE WOMEN at Northlight, among many others, is stunning in this role. Watch how carefully and cleverly Mr. Hellman’s character stealthily manipulates the people and events in his world. For devout fans of Erik Hellman, you may never think of him again as the hero.

As American Maxine Hadley, the gifted Alexandra Silber is ideally cast. She brings style and substance to this layered role. Alexandra is every inch the sophisticated mystery writer, with whom we can appreciate Margot’s fascination and adoration. Ms. Silber powerfully plays Maxine as an intelligent and quick-witted woman who manages to keep one step ahead of Tony, especially in the second act. 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 ultimately all come into play.

The audience finds themselves immersed in this mystery while it moves stealthily toward its surprising climax. Making his Drury Lane debut, Ian Paul Custer is brilliant as Captain Lesgate. Mostly remembered for his annual appearances in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE at American Blues Theater, Ian was recently seen at Paramount in BEAUTIFUL. This sinister character, who knew Tony from their days as Cambridge University students, is a slick wheeler-dealer and a criminal. Known to the police by many different 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 man soon learns, he’s been lured to the luxurious Wendice flat for more illicit purposes. In this role, Mr. Custer does a remarkable job.

But perhaps the actor audiences will remember most from this tension-filled, often humorous production, is talented veteran Broadway actor Jonathan Weir. He masterfully portrays Inspector Hubbard with so much subtle wit and wisdom. Last seen in Chicago in TRANSLATIONS at Writers Theatre, Mr. Weir played Jafar in ALADDIN and Scar and Pumbaa in THE LION KING, both on the New York stage and in National Tours.  Mr. Weir’s performance is nicely nuanced and humorous. He caresses every word he utters and creates a whip-smart London detective, who’s as likable as he is officious. Jonathan Weir is absolutely fabulous in this role.

A talented troupe of unseen artists add so much to this production. Scenic Designer Paige Hathaway makes her Drury Lane debut with a stylish and stunning stage setting. It’s elegant and expensive-looking, illuminated by the shadowy film noir lighting by Emma Deane. The production features a powerful Sound design and original Musical Score by Joshua Schmidt, as well as a wardrobe of lovely, upscale 1950’s Costumes by Nicole Boylan, with period Wigs & Hair Designs created by Bridget Rzymski. Every artist adds so much to the look and sound of this show.

Adam Immerwahr’s tension-filled Thriller will give theatergoers the shivers and, as the worried observer, will keep them on the edge of their seats. His exquisite production of Jeffrey Hatcher’s contemporary adaptation of Frederick Knott’s original murder mystery is filled with multiple unexpected twists and turns that keeps audiences guessing. A most talented cast moves the story along at a brisk pace, always surprising the audience by introducing startling, new details and characters. Audiences will find themselves glued to this tension-filled melodrama as the tension builds and the stakes keep rising until the final, unexpected moments. For the theatergoer who loves the genre, this is one exciting theatrical Thriller that should not miss!       

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented Sept 3-October 26 by Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.