Review: DAIL M FOR MURDER channels our inner agent at Rockwall Community Playhouse

Dial M for Murder

By Frederick Knott

Directed by Gene Fields

Assistant Directed by Jennifer Fields

Produced by

Rockwall Community Playhouse

Audience Rating: PG13
Running Time: 2.5 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available, call or email ahead of time
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Volume Level: Comfortable volume level
Noises/Visuals to Prepare For: strangling, stabbing 

Reviewed by Teri Lynn Williams 

It is no secret that most of us fancy ourselves amateur sleuths, always trying to be the first to solve the case and crack the mystery. Certainly this is how shows like Dial M for Murder continue to be produced and enjoyed even seventy-three years later. Playwright Frederick Knott wrote this play to unfold before the audience. We are privy straight away to the murder scheme, the covert actions within the marriage of British couple Margot Wendice (Marissa Romer) and Tony Wendice (James A Brown.) Margot is not a faithful wife you see, her (ex) lover, Max Halliday (Douglas Kent) has shown up from America causing Margot to try and spin tales so they do not get caught. There are missing letters, paid blackmail, and unfinished desires. All the while, Tony is privy to this clandestine affair and intends to make Margot literally pay for her actions. In this show, as the audience, we are part of the game plan and the question looms, “will he succeed?”

Director Gene Fields (who wrote one of the sincerest Directors Notes in the playbill I have ever read) clearly enjoys a good thriller. Fields assembled an ensemble of talented actors to handle this often wordy script. The intrigue of this production was highlighted by the stunning set design created by set dresser Cathryn Harris. Immediately upon curtain rise, there were audible gasps of deserved admiration. Add to that the lighting choices by Kris McDonald with the most excellent use of colors, sconces and such and this show visually amazes. Speaking of being visually amazing, make note of this name, Costumer Wiloni Darrington. Each costume seemed tailor made for the actor wearing it and the beauty and intentness of the choices on Margot, wow; the shimmer and sparkle in the beginning to the bland dullness in the end, absolutely astounding!

I mention the sparkle of Margot’s costumes and, alongside that comment, it is vital that I state the same sparkle that Romer brings to her character is the same sparkle that leads us to root for her demise, after all she is the adulterer. However, Romer is simply too likable to dislike. She expertly portrays the nuances of expression in having to balance your husband and lover in the same room. Kent, as American mystery screenwriter Max, brings a slightly anxious energy with every word he speaks. Max still clearly yearns for Margot, and Kent adorably brings us in with his longing glances and stolen soft touches. The anxiety is amplified when husband Tony enters. In contrast to Kent’s timid demeanor, Brown brings quite a formidable energy to the character of Tony. Tony has a very important job within the show to keep the audience in the loop, and Brown handles this with stage skill, knowing when to pause just enough to remind us to pay close attention. Romer, Kent and Brown all have exceptional stage command presence and this triangle is intriguing to watch. 

Tony does not plot alone, he brings in an “old pal” and I don’t want to reveal too much, but the character of Captain Lesgate is brought to the spotlight with pizazz and sarcasm by the talented Dennis H. Guillion. Another fallible character we should not like and yet, with the adorableness of Gullion, we simply want to become friends with this guy. 

No thriller/mystery is complete without a detective, the smartest guy in the room, perhaps…Danny Oursbourn, with his commanding cadence of speech shows us why Chief Inspector Hubbard is on the case. Oursbourn wears spectacles and has this penetrating look to get the truth. In the end, applause for both Hubbard and Oursbourn. 

You may have seen the Dial M for Murder movie by Alfred Hitchcock, but seeing live theatre is a pleasure and an experience all of its own. Keeping the arts alive is critical and we can all do that by supporting local playhouses and attending live theatre. 

Rockwall Community Playhouse brings this classic alive in such an entertaining manner, you will find yourself  wondering if he just may get away with it…

Dial M for Murder runs through October 5th, 2025. (Fri/Sat 7:30p and Sun 2p.)

To The Stage, 

Teri Lynn Williams