**** There is nothing like a mystery. Let’s face it, many of us love watching the “Law and Order” shows on TV, and if we think back in time, the series, like “Columbo” and even “Perry Mason”. Perhaps Alfred Hitchcock brought us some of the best of the best when it came to murder mysteries, and one of his films “Dial M For Murder” (1954)starring Ray Milland, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings, based on the novel by Frederick Knott, has been adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher with some slight changes for today’s theater audiences.

The basic concept of the story is intact, but with several modern ideas tossed in. The story deals with a very wealthy womanMargot ( deftly handled by Amanda Drinkall) and her husband Tony ( played to perfection by Erik Hellman, who also is the fight captain). Tony discovers that Margot is having an affair with Maxine (beautifuly played by Alexandra Silber) and decides to blackmail her to make sure that should she leave him, he will not be without funds. He has some love letters that the two women wrote and offers them back for the funds. He gets the funds, but does not give the letters back. They are his insurance for his future.

Tony decides that it might be best for him to have her killed ( so he will have all of her estate) and hires a thug,Captain Lesgate ( Ian Paul Custer handles this role just right) to carry out the deed. The plan is set, the alibi is perfect as Tony is escorting Maxine for a radio broadcast and Margot will be home to hear the broadcast. We, as an audeince get to hear the plan and then in the final scene of the first act, get to watch what takes place and where the flaw in the plan is. I will tell you that the plan fails- Lesgate is killed and all of Tony’s plans seem to be wiped away as his wife is now being charged with murder!

The rest of the play is unique and quite interesting as Tony tries to put the puzzle pieces together along with Maxine who knows the truth. She also has a plan to find Tony guilty, but he continues to thwart her every move. The last character in this sterling production smoothly directed by Adam Immerwahr on a fantastic set designed by Paige Hathaway, is Inspector Hubbard ( sheer perfection by Jonathan Weir), who somehow manages to see all the facts for what they are and finds a way to prove them.

Watching this sterling production, I am reminded of the original Drury Lane in Evergreen Park. They did plays like this and other non-musicals. Drury Lane Oakbrook is known for its musical theater and doing a show each year that is non-musical. Perhaps it is time for a larger venue to bring back some of the old non-musical productions, but on a huge stage. Drury lane may just be the perfect spot for this.

The technical aspects of this show are also perfect. The sound (Joshua Schmidt, who also composed the music) was great, othe rthan the British accents. The lighting (Emma Deane), props (Cassy Schillo) and costumes (Nicole Boylan) perfect and the hair and wigs by Bridget Rzymski quite realistic. David Blixt handled the intimacy and violence “choreography” ( as one might refer to it). If you are not into mystery, maybe this is not for you, BUT,If you like a good mystery, this is one to see. If you are into stories with a little “gas-lighting”, this one does get into this a bit. All in all, I truly think you will walk away knowing that you were witness to a sterling production

“Dial M For Murder” will continue Thru – Oct 26th with performances as follows: