The Cumberland County Playhouse’s production of Frederick Knott’s 1952 Broadway classic Dial M for Murder is everything patrons have grown to enjoy from professional theatre on the Plateau – and even more!
Set in the living room of the Wendices’ flat in 1950s London, the production is a psychological thriller featuring an ex-tennis player who devises a plan to kill his wealthy wife. A hapless fall guy and a seemingly bumbling member of the local constabulary join the mix to tell a leave-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Director Ren Pulliam creates a notable and appreciated contrast to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film adaptation of the play through subtle one-liners, lively banter and even well-timed glances between several of the show’s characters.
Headlining the one-woman, five-man cast are Playhouse artistic director Britt Hancock, returning to center stage with a top-caliber performance as former tennis pro Tony Wendice who reveals a sinister plan to “off” his wife, played by CCP’s “I-can-do-anything” lady, Heather McCall (Margot Wendice).
Other players from the resident company adding their respective fingerprints to the production include Daniel Black (Captain Lesgate) and the always gregarious Jason Ross (Inspector Hubbard). While purposely discreet, Black and Ross bring their knack of impeccable comedic timing back to the stage in their portrayals of believable (and maybe even likable) characters.
It should be noted, between Hancock, McCall, Black and Ross, they cumulatively have nearly 90 seasons of experience on the Playhouse stage. These stalwart CCP veterans are joined on stage by a pair of actors making memorable Crossville debuts: Caleb Sager (Max Halliday) and James Scott (Thompson).
I have remarked in previous reviews that live theater often requires the “suspension of disbelief.” When it comes to sets, stage lighting and believable characters, much can be done with a little.
In recent productions of Beehive: The 60’s Musical and Finding Nemo, Jr., the Playhouse has demonstrated they can do a lot with a little when it comes to sets. In those shows, the technical crews were able to convince viewers they were in a particular place or time and create a specific feeling with a minimal set and just the right degree of complementary lighting.
Then there is Dial M for Murder with an elaborate and detailed set created by scenic designer Tom Tutino, the audience is left with little need for imagination. The set is so good, I truly believed I was in a high-end London flat circa 1950.
By itself, a set – no matter how great – is just a set. Without the right lighting, it can be rendered simply a backdrop. For example, in the Broadway musical Miss Saigon, a military helicopter is dramatically “flown” in during a crucial moment. Had it not been for a precise lighting design, the audience would have simply seen a fuselage being lowered from the ceiling. Instead, set, lighting and sound all came together to create a breathtaking, believable and magical moment.
In Dial M, lighting designer and technical producer Sandra “Sam” Hahn greatly complements Tutino’s immaculate set with her uncanny expressions through what might be described as film noir lighting. Her use of shadows and off-stage illumination pays dividends to the establishment of reality.
Additionally, costumes designed by Rebel Michelson, Denise Kappel’s props and Aaron Capps’ sound design round out a brilliant vision from director Ren Pulliam.
As a reviewer, former theater manager and producer, I often listen to comments people make as they are leaving the theatre. Immediately after this performance, I overheard one patron matter-of-factly comment to another, “They have another winner.”
I could not agree more. Dial M for Murder is another “winner” in a long string of successes for Cumberland County Playhouse.
The Main Stage production continues through June 4. Tickets are available at www.ccplayhouse.com or by phoning the box office at 931-484-5000.