Quote of the Day: Under the right set of circumstances, anyone is capable of murder. Dial M for Murder, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original by Fredrick Knott first premiered as a television movie on BBC, then as a play on the West End, and in 1952 Alfred Hitchcock turned it into the iconic movie that it is. Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation premiered at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, Ca in 2022 and has been widely produced, including at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN, and now at Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo, MN. Hatcher’s version remains true to the original with the most notable difference being changing the male character and Margot’s lover from Max to Maxine, raising the stakes of the affair to an even more scandalous level, especially for those times. This adaptation raises the suspense and intensity. 

Set of Dial M for Murder at Yellow Tree Theatre, thru 10/13/24. Photo: Alex Clark

This five character play with one dynamic set is the perfect play for the more intimate space at Yellow Tree Theatre. Being so close to the action makes you feel like you’re moving through the actions and emotions of the play right alongside the actors. The set, designed by Sarah Brandner, is critical in the telling of this story. Each set piece and prop is carefully in place for the set-up, execution, and foils of the murder. The use of shadows and lighting on the front door are especially effective (lighting design by Alex Clark). The technical aspects are intricately woven into the action and suspense of this play. Great work between the Technical Director Trevor Zapiecki and Director of the play Brandon Raghu. 

Erika Soukup as Maxine and Adelin Phelps as Margot in Dial M for Murder at Yellow Tree Theatre, thru 10/13/24. Photo: Alex Clark

Adelin Phelps plays Margot Wendice, the target. She has secrets, ones that she’s trying desperately to keep from her husband. But, when a salacious letter from her Lesbian lover disappears from her handbag, she becomes the victim of a blackmail scheme. Erika Soukup plays Maxine, the lover. She’s a successful mystery novelist and spends most of her time coming up with murder plots, motives and means. She spends her time between London and New York City, and is back in Margot’s life, making things more complicated. Charles Fraser plays the jealous husband, Tony Wendice. He’s jealous of his wife’s affair, naturally, and also of Maxine’s success as a write. Tony’s writing career never took off. He is evil and conniving and has orchestrated a way of getting rid of his wife while maintaining his innocence. Enter Tony’s old schoolmate Lesgate (or whatever name he’s going by these days). Tony has enough dirt on him, plus money, to convince him to be his hitman. Things don’t go quite as planned. Edwin Strout plays both Lesgate in Act I and the Inspector Hubbard in Act II, making his two characters quite distinct through body language, accent, and mannerisms.

Edwin Strout as Lesgate and Charles Fraser as Tony in Dial M for Murder at the Yellow Tree Theatre, thru 10/13/24.

What makes Dial M for Murder more of a thriller is the building of suspense. You see the characters in danger, but don’t know how they’re going to get out of it. You see the killer concocting the plan and wonder if they will get away with it. You see the mastermind always trying to stay ahead of the game and wonder if he will indeed commit the perfect crime. Will justice prevail?

Brandon Raghu directs this excellent cast, and all the elements work perfectly together to create drama, suspense and intrigue. I brought my son and daughter-in-law to the show and we all loved it. You can see Dial M for Murder at Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo, MN through October 13, 2024. They have a terrific season this year with Steel Magnolias coming up in November and Marie and Rosetta next June. In February, they’re doing a One Woman Play Festival with New Dawn Theatre, featuring one woman playwright each weekend. I have been invited to be part of this festival with my play It’s Murder, Dontcha Know, Feb. 8 & 9. Tickets are already on sale for the entire season. Come out and support live theater and the people who make it!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Are you a fan of film noir? What’s your favorite classic suspense movie or play?