Dial "M" for marvelous: The Rep opens the new season with a slickly staged classic thriller

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is known for sets that make me say "wow!" Their latest production, "Dial 'M' For Murder," is another strong example of this trend. The first thing audiences will notice, in fact, is the swanky mid-Century modern apartment set that may make viewers want to move in, or at least stay over for the night. But, considering what happens in this story, you might not want to stay over at this place. Perhaps best known for the 1954 Alfred Hitchock film adaptation, Frederick Knott's old-fashioned suspense thriller is given a first-rate, well-cast, great-looking production by director Melissa Rain Anderson and an excellent cast and crew.

Although this isn't the film, the presentation here is somewhat cinematic, with excellent visuals and audio, well-synchronized with the precisely paced plot. The story follows married couple Margot and Tony Wendice, who seem to be happy with their relationship and upper-class London lifestyle. From the start, however, we meet Margot's old friend, American television writer Max Halliday, and find out that everything wasn't so rosy between the Wendices in the fairly recent past. Margot and Max had apparently indulged in an illicit relationship, but that's been over for a year, although at least Max seems to still carry a torch. Margot is now devoted to Tony, a once-immature former tennis star who seems to have turned over a new leaf, but has he? Enter the mysterious Captain Lesgate--real name Swann--with whom Tony meets on the pretense of buying a car. But what is he really up to? Soon, a murder is planned, and the wrong person ends up dead, bringing in the intrepid Inspector Hubbard to investigate. Although the audience is made aware what's happening all along, major characters are clueless, as the story moves along to its suspenseful conclusion.

I won't give too much away, but if you're familiar with the film, you will know what's going on. The tension and atmosphere are what drives this story, with a bit of a Hitchcockian tone that helps the story along and a mid-Century vibe and manner of presentation that sometimes elicits laughs from the audience, even though I'm not sure they're intended. Still, this show is immensely entertaining, with a fast pace and a well-realized look and atmosphere, leading up to a satisfying but somewhat abrupt ending.

The look of this show is striking, with a stylish, richly appointed set by Margery Spack and Peter Spack and chic costumes by Ruby Kemph. The lighting by Minjoo Kim and sound by Amanda Werre are also marvelous, with excellently timed effects that add to the overall suspenseful tone of the story.

As for the acting, the cast is strong across the board, led by Jenelle Chu in a likable turn as Margot, who has memorable moments with Jordan Coughtry's charming but evasive Tony, and Jayson Heil as the earnest writer Max. There's also a terrific performance from Eric Dean White as the clever, persistent Inspector Hubbard, and a memorable turn by David Weynand as the menacing Lesgate--or is it Swann? Ethan Stewart rounds out the cast as Hubbard's associate Thompson.

Overall, "Dial 'M' For Murder" is a thriller that lives up to its description. With fantastic production values, a great cast, and a fast-paced, suspenseful tone, this is a production that reminds audiences why this play is a classic. It's an exciting start to the Rep's 2024-2025 season.

Performances of “Dial ‘M’ For Murder” continue at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis until October 13. For more information, visit The Rep web site.