Dial M for Murder

A true retro delight, Dial M for Murder is a who-done-it without the mystery. Word of warning: be aware that your significant other may take notes.

~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~


“Dial M for Murder,” The Story

A writer (Maxine, played by Karly Tilman) comes to her former hometown to visit an old friend, Margot, played by Libby Bakke, and push her new book, a book about murder. She finds her former lover in an unhappy marriage and their past relationship on the verge of being exposed. This is when the mystery begins.

There are a few twists, elaborate plans that don’t quite come together, and the clever Inspector Hubbard, played by Bryce Keil. A few changes from the original story were made into a movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock. These changes bring a more subtle and contemporary feel to the play.

Reno Little Theater first performed Dial M for Murder in 1957 and is celebrating its 90th year by bringing back some of its past shows.


Here are some photos to give you a taste of Dial M for Murder


The Performances

The performances are splendid, and the players’ energy adds to the story. Even at a two-hour run time, you will be happily entertained by these talented actors.

Ryan Costello plays Tony, the disgruntled husband with a masterful plan with the help of an old acquaintance, Lesgate, played by Ian Sorensen. Costello’s nuanced comedic undertone is uproarious, keeping the energy flowing throughout the performance.


How about the Set

The set is a blast from the past, complete with a dial phone in the center of the action. There is plenty of alcohol and cigarette smoking as we would expect from the time period of the 1950s.


The Bottom Line

Reno Little Theater offers solid, entertaining performances and Dial M for Murder lives up to the high standards we expect from RLT.


Dial M for Murder

By Frederick Knott

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher

Directed by: Melissa Taylor
with special thanks to Kevin Wålen


Cast

Ryan Costello as Tony

Libby Bakke as Margot

Karly Tilman as Maxine

Ian Sorensen as Lesgate

Bryce Keil as Inspector Hubbard

Jim Sturtevant as BBC Interviewer

Muhammad Shamim as Tony/Lesgate/Hubbard understudy (1/25 & 1/31)

Alixe Bunyard as Margot understudy

Natalie Hurt as Maxine understudy (1/30 & 1/31)

Crew

Asst. Direction: Greg Hillman

Stage Manager: Emma Greene

Asst. Stage Manager: Basil Conrad

Asst. Stage Manager: Muhammad Shamim

Scenic, Lighting, & Props Designer: Chad Sweet
Sound Designer: Anthony Mendoza

Accent & Dialect Coach: Rosie Brownlow-Calkin

Intimacy Director: Thomas Rao

Costume Design: Moira Bengochea

Hair & Make Up Design: Morgan Nott

Dramaturg: Luis Galvez


Performance Dates

January 17, 18*, 23, 24,  25, 30, 31 Feb. 1, 6, 7, 8 @ 7:30 pm

January 19, 26**, February  2††, 9 @ 2pm

*denotes PAY-WHAT-YOU-WISH performance

†denotes scheduled U/S performance

**denotes talk-back performance 

†† denotes captioned performance


RENO LITTLE THEATER

Est. 1935
147 E. Pueblo St. Reno, NV 89502
(775) 813-8900

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