It's thriller season at the Indiana Repertory Theatre
this month. Dial "M" for Murder is currently on the mainstage and
suspense is the name of the game. Some may be familiar with Alfred Hitchcock’s
film version of the play or even the 1998 remake, “A Perfect Murder”, but for
those in the dark, the plot will be even more interesting.
A young couple in 1950s London is not quite as happy as
they may first appear. Soon the audience discovers that the husband is plotting
his wife's murder. Matt Mueller plays the malevolent husband Tony. He’s cold
and calculating, but still the eternal British gentleman. He’s decided he wants
his wife’s money and has no qualms about killing her to get it. Robert Neal
provides a great foe as Chief Inspector Hubbard.
The set, designed by Kate Sutton-Johnson, is gorgeous
period piece. The 1950s apartment has a classic feel, with vintage furniture
and luscious wallpaper. One odd element was the decision to project images on
the back wall during phone calls. Each time a character made a phone call,
close ups of the person on the other end of the line were shown, which was
distracting and immediately takes you out of the action. It disrupted the flow
of the play, providing a jarring reminder that the scene in front of you is
staged.
The show is well-plotted, but those expecting gasps at
every turn will be disappointed. Dial “M” has a slow burn approach to the
thriller genre. It’s murder presented as a chess game rather than a high-speed
chase.
Don't Miss the Show
The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W.
Washington St., Indianapolis, one-half block west of the Circle Center Mall
between northbound Illinois St. and southbound Capitol Ave. Dial "M"
for Murder runs until May 21 on IRT's One America Mainstage. To purchase
tickets or find performance times, call (317) 635-5252 or order online at
www.irtlive.com.
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