Pennsylvania Playhouse has delivered a satisfyingly gripping thriller in its production of the English play “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” through Feb. 9 at the playhouse, 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem.
The classic play, as deftly directed by Gary Boyer, is filled with complicated twists and turns that has audiences sitting on the edge of their seats.
Although the exposition-heavy play starts a bit slowly, it steadily gains steam as all the parts come together.
Armand Reiser offers up an appropriately sociopathic and increasingly ominous Tony Wendice, a retired competitive tennis player who has married for money and learns his wife has had an affair. At first Resier’s Tony is amiable and likable, but his character is slowly revealed to be more and more twisted.
He lays out his plan to kill his wife to get his inheritance in a somewhat overlong scene with Captain Lesgate, a former schoolmate who has landed on the wrong side of the law. Lesgate, who is blackmailed into the plot, is played with restraint and reluctance by Allen Riegel.
As Tony’s wife Margot, who wants to make her marriage work, Margaret Wilson is sincere and determined. Wilson’s Margot also is unexpectedly resourceful, throwing a wrench in her husband’s nefarious plans when she fights back.
Joshua Steinhouse is appealing and understated as Max Halliday, Margot’s former flame and an American murder mystery writer who just happens to be in town on business. He slowly reveals a more resolute demeanor as events start to resemble the plot of one of his murder mystery stories.
As the characters, who are all keeping secrets from one another interact, the tension rises.
Brad Campbell’s wily Inspector Hubbard at first seems to be hoodwinked by Tony’s plot, but ultimately is revealed to be something like a charming British version of the dumb-like-a-fox television detective “Columbo.”
The satisfaction is in watching the underestimated detective untangle the web of lies to uncover the real criminal.
Deven Windisch adds a note of comic relief in a brief appearance as a stereotypical British bobby.
The entire play takes place in one room – the Wendice’s 1950s-era London flat – nicely appointed by Brett Oliveira. Todd Burkel’s period costumes are appropriately uptight and fussy.
Tickets are $25 for adults; $22 for seniors and $15 for students. The Feb. 1 performance is pay-what-you-can.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 7 and 8; and 3 p.m. Feb. 2 and 9.
For information, call 610-865-6665, or go to www.paplayhouse.org/.