***** Recently, our neighbors to the North did “Dial M For Murder” and not to be outdone, Northlight Theatre, a company known for their perfect “British Comedy” productions, decided to do it as well. The original work, by Alfred Hitchcock has been adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher ( from the original written by Frederick Knott). The story is a clever work of mystery and as directed by Georgette Verdin on a very British looking set by  Mara Ishihara Zinky, lets the story unveil itself in great dramatic fashion.

For those unaware of the storyline: Tony Wendice (Ryan Hallahan) married his wife Margot ( played to perfection by Lucy Carapetyan) for her money. He neglected her as a spouse, living or perhaps best said as “sponging”, and in finding out that she has been having a love affair, decides for him to survive and live his desired lifestyle, it is the right time to kill her.

He designs a plan to commit the perfect crime. I will not go into all of the details, but will allow you to know the following: her amour is Maxine Hadley ( deftly handled by Elizabeth Laidlaw) who also is in need of money. At the start of the play we learn of a blackmail threat from an unknown or the affair will become public.

Later we find that this is Tony’s plan and that he has hired Lesgate ( Felipe Carrasco) to do the deed.

The set-up is all in place with Tony and Maxine off to dinner, leaving Margot home alone. Lesgate comes in (with a key supplied by Tony) and begins to do his job, when Margot fights for her life and ends up stabbing him. Tony’s plan is foiled. What will he do?

This is where the fun starts. Tony makes all of the changes needed to establish that Margot is the killer. Of course, she will be found guilty, hanged and he will have no more wife, but all her wealth.

Enter Inspector Hubbard ( there is no other actor that could handle this role other than Nick Sandys-perfection). This is where the fun begins as we finish act one, go to intermissions with everyone considering what the outcome might be. Act two sets on track and you will love how the puzzle pieces fit together. Mystery stories are always fun. They are also never slam, bam, thanks you maam, in being solved. This is two hours of fun and games with an ending that will make you feel good.

As much as I love Milwaukee and their theaters, I believe that Northlight has outdone them in every way.

“Dial M For Murder” will continue Thru – Jan 7, 2024, with performances as follows: