Review: Bad people make good characters in adaptation of 'Dial M for Murder' in Barnstable
BARNSTABLE ― A writer whose creative days seem to have deserted him has worked out a brilliant plot to pull off the perfect crime. This time it's real life. In the iconic 1950s drama "Dial M for Murder" at the Barnstable Comedy Club . Tony figures he won't be anywhere around when his wife dies, and he'll have her considerable fortune to buoy him up post-mortem. What could go wrong? Turns out, plenty. His flawless plot is a textbook example of why it's never a great idea to trust infallibility, especially when you're up to no good.
"Dial M for Murder": Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher (2022) from the original play by Frederick Knott (1952). Directed by James F. Ring, performed at the Barnstable Comedy Club.
'Dial M for Murder' is Hitchcock film with Grace Kelly
"Dial M," which opened in London's West End (1952) and encored with 552 popular performances on Broadway, achieved lasting fame in 1954 when Alfred Hitchcock directed the famous film version starring Grace Kelly.
What it's about:A well-chosen cast of five stages this 1950s period piece that bristles with drama, blackmail, lies and nefarious intentions, culminating in an eerie murder gone wrong. A string of clues, including door keys, silk stockings, sewing scissors and other murder accessories will lead curious and determined inspector Hubbard (played by Larry Lickteig) to unmask the thinks-he's-so-smart killer. John Hanright comes aboard as the hapless murderer.
Reasons to see 'Dial M for Murder' in Barnstable
This 2022 "Dial M" adaptation is buoyed by some gender-bending plot twists and a heightened financial motive that further stirs the murder pot. Same sex lover Maxine (Flannery Rogers) plays a strong investigative role, adding flavor and insight. Don't look for any of these characters to win your heart ― they're a pretty self-serving bunch when they begin to show their claws.
Cassandra West and Rob Minshall stand out in their roles as Margot and Tony, the ill-fated couple. A beautiful stage set evokes a well-heeled 1950s living room, and the turn-the-tables murder moment is most effective.
How to see 'Dial M for Murder' in Barnstable
"Dial M for Murder" is at the Barnstable Comedy Club, 3171 Main St., (Route 6A,) Barnstable Village, through March 23. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees that include audio description for the visually impaired. Tickets: $25, $23 for seniors and students. Call the box office: 508-362-6333, or visit barnstablecomedyclub.org/.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Critic: 'Dial M for Murder' delivers with same-sex couple, plot twists
