Everyman Theatre: Dial M for Murder

 One of the things that Everyman Theatre, a repertory company, does really well at farcical classics like "Dial M for Murder".  This one with a new treatment by Jeffery Hatcher, the original being written by Frederick Knott in 1952 as a Broadway Play, and then sensationalized by Alfred Hitchcock in his 1954 film adaptation.  It's a naughty little take of naughty little people full of wants they cannot fulfill in a legitimate manner, and one erstwhile detective who gets it wrong before getting right.

The opening scene if full of delightful banter between the two women: Margot Wendice (Beth Hylton) and Maxine Hadley (Megan Anderson)...and then it kind of bogs down in some more tedious narrative and an inexplicable bout of lameness by Morgot's gold-digging husband Tony Wendice (Tony Nam).  I found myself admiring the set and costumes at times.  The two women next to me failed to return after intermission--the thought crossed my mind.  But recognizing that I have a lot of extemporaneous shit vying for my attention, chose to remain connected to this distraction.

And I glad that I did.  The second act picked up the pace nicely.  

The cast of five included no non-members.  All were, in fact, the cake's heart in this company with 19 confectionery delights.  Like 5 pairs of comfortable slippers tossed in a pile, they were all equally enjoyable in a play that allowed them to just do what they do best without any fear of pulling a muscle.

The set was magnificent.  designed, no doubt, to mimic the screen of an old bijou theater or early model console TV with muted colors just north of black and white.  Subtle, brilliant, luscious.  

Everyone around me as I left were a buzz with joy.  Things that seemed obvious to me, delight them.  Even the banter in the public parking garage elevator a block and a half away filled with patrons like myself was convivial and sparked laughter among strangers.  That's no small feat.

Megan Anderson as Maxine Hadley and Beth Hylton as Margot Wendice

Danny Gavigan as Mr. Swann being enticed into a plan for murdering Margot by Tony Nam as Tony Wendice, her gold-digging husband.

Tony Nam as Tony Wendice with Margot

Bruce Randolph Nelson as Inspector Hubbard tying up loose ends with all the suspects