NORTHUMBERLAND—Lovers of mysteries and thrillers will relish The Westmoreland Players’ production of “Dial M For Murder,” opening its three-weekend run on May 1.
NORTHUMBERLAND—Lovers of mysteries and thrillers will relish The Westmoreland Players’ production of “Dial M For Murder,” opening its three-weekend run on May 1. The drama follows the machinations of Tony Wendice, a failed London novelist whose expensive tastes are subsidized by his wife Margot’s substantial fortune. Tony discovers that Margot had a passionate extramarital affair, now concluded.
Consumed by jealousy despite his own chronic infidelity, and terrified that Margot will leave him penniless, Tony constructs an elaborate scheme to murder Margot and inherit her wealth. When his original plot fails, Tony improvises brilliantly to put Margot in mortal peril.
“Dial M for Murder” is a 2023 adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher of an original play by Frederick Knott. Film buffs will remember Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1954 thriller, starring Grace Kelly and Ray Milland. Hatcher’s adaptation, as directed by Marcia Peters, updates the story with new twists, more complex characters and snappier dialogue.
The play is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. The cast is a mix of veteran actors and newcomers.
Dan Beckhard portrays Tony as a toxically misogynistic, silky psychopath.
Rema Keen makes her Westmoreland Players debut as Margot, the ambivalent spouse who must summon all her strength to resist the plots against her.
Bénja Gladden-Slaughter is Maxine, a successful author with connections to both Tony and Margot, who realizes things are not as they appear.
John Pitman is Lesgate, a deliciously shady former classmate of Tony’s who is manipulated into joining his plot.
George Payne plays Hubbard, the cerebral Scotland Yard inspector tasked with untangling the webs of suspicion and deception.
“We are delighted to present ‘Dial M’ as the latest production of our 2025-26 season,” said Peters. “Every time we poll our audiences, they tell us they love mysteries and thrillers. I love this contemporary adaptation because being set in the 1950s, it heightens the tension makes everything feel a bit more dangerous.”
The Opening Night Gala is slated for 7:30 p.m. May 1 at the Westmoreland Players Theatre, 16217 Richmond Road, Callao. Gala tickets are $45 for adults and $32 for students.
The show continues at 7:30 p.m. May 2, 8, 9, 15 and 3 p.m. May 3, 10, 16 and 17. Tickets for the remaining shows are $30 for adults and $17 for students.
Purchase tickets at westmorelandplayers.org, or 529-9345.
