Amy Leigh Horan, John Kinde and Robert Pike. photo by Frank DiSalvo Jr.
Scotland Yard and London’s finest police investigators have their work cut out for them as they are called upon to solve the murder of a mysterious local resident victimized by a sociopath’s desire to stay on top by constructing an intricate plan consisting of lies, deceit, and murder. The play Dial M For Murder, performed by a professional cast of actors from Parlor Room Theater company is compelling and intense.
The show is nothing short of superb and professionally delivered.
Margot Wendice, played by Amy Leigh Horan, is dedicated to saving her once troubled marriage to Tony Wendice (Robert Pike) who seems to have other plans. Premeditated plans that play out and evolve like a well conducted orchestra with every pawn playing into Tony’s greedy hands. Tony blackmails an old college friend Lesgate (Thomas DiSalvo) into eliminating Margo who had been unfaithful a year earlier with crime novelist Max (John Kinde). All is going well until a few details don’t go as planned and the scheme begins to unravel at the hands of the keen inspector Hubbard (Chris Williams).
The show is nothing short of superb and professionally delivered. The English accents are amazing! The cast sounds more British than the British! Very impressive to say the least. Of special note is the undisputed focus and control of character displayed by this cast. Tony is simply one of those characters you love to hate and nobody can bring him to life better than Pike. His facial expressions are priceless and his lines are delivered in a passive aggressive fashion as only a well-trained actor can. Horan is exceptional at gaining audience approval and sympathy as she innocently believes Tony is a changed man. She and supporting actor Kinde have incredible chemistry. Kinde encompasses the very heart and soul of a novelist. It is enjoyable hearing him explain his strategy for writing stories and it is ultimately his undeniable wit that helps lead to Tony’s demise.
DiSalvo captures the essence of the con man Legate. He is intimidated easily and is awesome at playing a coward. A little rat of sorts who is finally trapped and utilized for the benefit of others as he has used so many in the past. Williams pulls it off as the ever patient straight-laced inspector Hubbard. His vibe is that of a gentleman with great integrity who doesn’t tire from protecting his beloved London from its most seedy characters.
From a technique point of view, the set, designed by Ember DiSalvo, is beautiful and makes great use of stage space. I appreciate the attention to detail that makes this set vibrant. Everything from pictures on the wall to built-in shelves and an electric fireplace add to the coziness of the Wendice home. Frank DiSalvo is credited for the special sound effects and music that helps set the overall mood of the show. Collaborated efforts of talented Director Lonnie DeVaughan Simmons, and stage managers Kevin Glotfelty and Jordan Wells make this show a must see.
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours with a 10 minute intermission.
Dial M For Murder is runs through August 2, 2015 at Bishop McNamara Fine Arts Theater,6800 Marlboro Pike
Forestville, MD 20747. Click here for tickets.
