by Claire DeMarco
Tony Wendice (Ross Kobelak) married Margot Wendice (Elizabeth Glyptis) and soon after the wedding discovered that she had an affair with Maxine Hadley (Chelsea Davis). Tony is not demoralized by this knowledge since he only married Margot for her money. He’s been planning to kill Margot for some time anyway. Cocky and calculating, he plans what he believes is “the perfect crime”.
Of course, he won’t commit the deed himself but engages an old college acquaintance, Lesgate (Adam Merulli) to do it. Tony has been following Lesgate and uncovers his questionable past. Lesgate is weak and Tony is able to blackmail him into killing Margot.
Even though Margot’s affair with Maxine was brief and over, Maxine continues to be part of her life. She is a successful crime writer and Tony is her publicist. Maxine is outspoken, articulate and sophisticated. Margot is rather naïve and gullible. Tony thinks she should be an easy target.
“Dial M for Murder” is an open mystery! We know Tony’s plans immediately. The suggested murderer is also identified. All of Tony’s precise, detailed plotting is in place. He won’t be home when the murder occurs. Lesgate has explicit instructions on how and when the action should occur. Margot will be home alone!
But even the best plans fail! Somebody is murdered that night, and it isn’t Margot.
Sly Tony is not deterred by the outcome. He subtly and deviously slants incriminating evidence towards Margot, ensuring that key clues and innuendoes suggest that she did not kill him in self- defense. It was murder!
Enter Inspector Hubbard (Tom Protulipac). He has been a detective for some time, and he is thorough as he attempts to unravel this homicide and who did it. Hubbard seems to fluctuate between both suspects in his thorough investigation.
Come and see this well-done production of a classic to find out “whodunnit.”
The bad guy was so good! Kobelak is both witty and delightfully charming depending on who’s the focus of his attention. He easily changes his delivery to control and blackmail as he taps Lesgate as the potential murderer.
Davis is captivating as Margot’s former lover and friend. She is a class act – witty, sharp and dynamic with facial expressions and stances that emphasize her outward, confident nature.
As the naïve, gentle Margot, Glyptis has the most dramatic change in character as the quiet wife who segues into a more troubled, emotional, angry person caught in a web of deceit.
Merulli’s tough guy demeanor changes as his corrupt lifestyle and former crimes are exposed by Tony. His meanness returns as he takes delight in telling Margot that he’s been paid to kill her.
Protulipac plays Inspector Hubbard as both a quirky character, somewhat reminiscent of TV character, Columbo, and an aggressive detective. Convincing as a bit eccentric, his interrogations are thought provoking.
Shout outs to:
- Dialect Coach Lisa Ann Goldsmith
- Scenic Designer Aria Dietrich
- Director Tal Kroser
“Dial M for Murder” was adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original play written by Frederick Knott.
-CED
“Dial M for Murder” is a production of Little Lake Theatre Company. Performances run from April 30th to May 17th at Little Lake Theatre, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA. 15317. For more information, click here.
