BWW Reviews: Smithtown Center For The Performing Arts' DIAL M FOR MURDER

Being an enthusiast of old movies, I saw Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 film version of Fredrick Knott's Dial M for Murder long before I attended the stage incarnation. I have to say that I actually grew bored with film; the "thriller" seemed very slow to me. Thankfully, the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts' (SCPA) production, running through March 30th, put a better spin on this riveting story... and went at a better pace.

Leading the talented William B. Kahn directed cast is Regina Schneider as the well-to-do Margot Wendice (Grace Kelly's role in the movie). Margot is a pleasant woman, but also very naïve as she refuses to believe her cold-hearted husband has planned to murder her - the premise for the story. For this role, Ms. Schneider smartly put a delicate authoritative demeanor on the character yet balanced it with a "Yes, dear" type of approach.

Mark Cahill portrays Regina's selfish, uncaring, heartless husband Tony. Mr. Cahill was quite fine in the role filled with arrogance and deceit. Tony is former tennis star and plots Regina's murder for mostly her money, but several twists and turns abound throughout the story. I say "mostly" because what also sets Tony off is Regina's affair with Max Halliday portrayed charmingly by Steve Corbellini. In spite of the affair, you will find yourself rooting for Max as he actually cares about Regina.

Rounding out the rest of the top notch cast is Eugene Dailey as Captain Lesgate who Tony blackmails to join his scheme. Also Frank Russo gives an imperious performance as the clever Inspector Hubbard.

Another highlight was Kenneth J. Washington's set. Taking place in 19050's London, the story solely takes place in the living room of Wendice's upper-class home. A lush couch, grand desk, and sliding back door leading to a "garden" took up the medium size stage. Additionally, Bob Dziemian's sound design is on point adverting moments that could come off as awkward - i.e speaking on the phone when there is no one on the other end.

And so it seems the SCPA's 12th season has another wonderful production with Dial M for Murder. In a typical Fredrick Knott story - a woman unintentionally in a precarious situation - the cast does this classic justice. A talented cast and an intriguing, twisting story make for a gripping night of theatre.

Dial M for Murder is presented by the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts through March 30th. By Fredrick Knott, Directed by William B. Kahn, Lighting Design by Chris Creevy, Sound Design by Bob Dziemian, Costume Design by Ronald Green III, Set Design by Kenneth J. Washington, Stage Management by Kadin Fawcett. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 724-3700 or visit smithtownpac.org.

Photo by Dean Cestari. Stephen Corbellini and Regina Schneider in the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts' Dial M for Murder

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