Displaying items by tag: 1950s

Something wicked is winding its way through the velvet curtains of Drury Lane Theatre—and it reeks of roses, red wine, and murder. Dial M for Murder, the classic thriller originally crafted by Frederick Knott in 1952 and immortalized on screen by Alfred Hitchcock in 1954, returns to the stage with a razor-sharp adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher that’s as stylish as it is sinister.

Set against the moody backdrop of 1950s London, the production invites us into the polished yet precarious world of Margot (Amanada Drinkall) and Tony Wendice (Erik Hellman) - a couple whose marriage gleams with charm but conceals a darker undercurrent. Beneath the tailored suits and cocktail-hour smiles lies a web of betrayal, manipulation, and a meticulously plotted murder that threatens to unravel with every twist of the telephone cord.

Hatcher’s adaptation breathes fresh life into the suspense, tightening the dialogue and sharpening the stakes while preserving the noir elegance of the original. The result is a theatrical experience that feels both vintage and vital - a slow burn that simmers into a full-blown psychological inferno.

Tony Wendice, a former tennis star turned calculating husband, discovers his wife Margot’s affair with mystery writer Maxine Hadley (Alexandra Silber). Rather than confront her, he plots her murder with chilling precision, believing one perfect move will reclaim his unraveling life.

But perfection proves elusive.

When the plan collapses, the story spirals into a maze of blackmail, disloyalty, and psychological warfare. Margot becomes both pawn and player, navigating a world where loyalties shift, truths blur, and every silence speaks volumes.

This isn’t just a thriller—it’s a taut exploration of control, vulnerability, and the artful menace of manipulation.

Alexandra Silber, Amanda Drinkall, Erik Hellman in Drury Lane Theatre's Dial M for Murder.

The players are sensational in the dialogue heavy, quick witted, edge-of-your-seat mystery thriller. Erick Hellman delivers a diabolical and shrewd Tony, Amanda Drinkall is delightful as Margot and Alexandra Silber is a true force as Maxine. Johnathan Weir is also tremendous as sleuthing Inspector Hubbard while Ian Paul Custer is perfectly cast as the Tony’s patsy, Captain Lesgate.

Wonderfully directed by Adam Immerwahr in his Drury Lane debut, this production of Dial M for Murder masterfully marries vintage intrigue with a brisk, modern rhythm. It’s not just a revival - it’s a reinvention – and Drury Lane Theatre is the perfect venue to stage this mystery thriller. The bones of Frederick Knott’s original mystery remain intact, but the pacing has been sharpened, the humor dialed up, and the twists recalibrated for a contemporary audience.

Visually, the production luxuriates in noir-inspired elegance, its seductive precision shaped by a powerhouse design team: Paige Hathaway’s scenic work evokes shadow and intrigue, Joshua Schmidt’s sound design hums with tension, Emma Deane’s lighting casts drama in every corner, and Nicole Boylan’s costumes wrap the cast in mystery and allure. Shadow-drenched lighting carves out tension in every corner, while period costumes evoke mid-century elegance tinged with menace. The sound design - subtle yet insistent - acts as an invisible character, underscoring moments of dread, desire, and deception. It’s a production that doesn’t just tell a story; it envelops the audience in its atmosphere.

The result is a theatrical experience that feels both timeless and timely - a stylish homage to Hitchcockian suspense, reimagined with the velocity and wit of modern storytelling.

At its core, Dial M for Murder is a taut exploration of trust fractured by ambition, love corroded by suspicion, and appearances polished to mask peril. The play doesn’t simply flirt with deception - it dissects it. Every gesture, every line of dialogue, is laced with the question: how far will someone go to preserve their illusion of control, or to dismantle another’s?

Dial M for Murder is a psychological chess match where secrets are currency, gaslighting is taken to the extreme and duplicity is both weapon and wound. As the characters maneuver through layers of manipulation and moral ambiguity, the audience is left to ponder not just who’s guilty - but whether anyone is truly innocent.

Running through October 26^th, this is a highly recommended thriller that you won’t want to miss. For tickets and/or more show information visit https://drurylanetheatre.com/dial-m-for-murder/.

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!  

Back by popular demand and bursting with harmony, MadKap Productions resurrected the beloved musical revue Forever Plaid for three jubilant encore performances at Skokie Theatre on August 16th and 17th. After its earlier-season success, this revival felt less like a return and more like a victory lap—richly earned and warmly welcomed.

If unfamiliar, Forever Plaid is a toe-tapping, heartwarming blast from the past that brings four lovable misfits back from the great beyond for one last shot at musical glory. Meet Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Frankie—four sweetly square guys with a passion for pitch-perfect harmony and matching plaid blazers. Just as their dreams of stardom are about to take off, fate throws a curveball (okay, a car crash), and their big break is cut short. But thanks to a cosmic do-over, the Plaids descend from the afterlife to croon their way through a heavenly setlist of 1950s hits like “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Catch a Falling Star,” and “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.” What follows is a delightfully awkward, laugh-out-loud evening of music, mishaps, and mid-century magic as the boys battle nerves, forgotten lyrics, and the occasional nosebleed—all in perfect harmony.

But don’t let the retro kitsch fool you—Forever Plaid is more than just a jukebox joyride. It’s a love letter to friendship, second chances, and the kind of earnest charm that never goes out of style. With tight barbershop harmonies, hilariously clunky choreography, and a wink to the innocence of yesteryear, the show hits all the right notes. As the Plaids find their groove and rediscover the joy of singing together, they remind us that even the most unexpected encore can be a chance to shine. Whether you’re a sucker for nostalgia or just love a good harmony with a side of heart, Forever Plaid delivers a feel-good experience that’s equal parts goofy and glorious.

Directed and choreographed with pizzazz by Edward Lindham and musically supercharged by Jeremy Ramey, this production of Forever Plaid is a plaid-patterned rocket ride through retro heaven. Lindham leans gleefully into the group’s lovable awkwardness, turning every fumble and flinch into comedy gold, while Ramey’s musical direction keeps the harmonies tighter than a doo-wop group at a sock hop. The result? A toe-tapping, heart-thumping, harmony-hugging spectacle that’s equal parts sentimental swoon and vintage vaudeville—with just enough camp to keep things deliciously offbeat.

And the cast? LOVED each one of them! They don’t just hit their marks - they ignite the stage. Nick Arceo’s Smudge is the stealth standout, slipping in sly one-liners and velvety harmonies with the ease of someone who knows exactly how good he is. Sean M. G. Caron’s Frankie is a jitterbug of sincerity, radiating boyish wonder and crooning with a sweetness that could soften a soda fountain. Elijah McTiernan’s Sparky lives up to his name - he ricochets through the show with razor-sharp timing and a grin that dares you not to laugh. And Taelon Stonecipher’s Jinx? He begins as a whisper, but crescendos into a powerhouse—his final notes feel like a love letter from the afterlife, equal parts hilarious and haunting.

Together, they conjure a comeback that’s equal parts doo-wop séance and bromantic fantasia—a harmony-soaked hug from the great beyond, and utterly impossible to resist.

"Plaid-tastic!"

And if you've never been to Skokie Theatre, be sure to consider it as a great place to see a stage production. Since its establishment in 2010 by producer Wendy Kaplan and director Wayne Mell, MadKap Productions has played a pivotal role in the artistic revitalization of the Skokie Theatre. Upon assuming leadership of the venue in 2014, Kaplan and Mell transformed it from a dormant space into a vibrant cultural hub. Each season, MadKap presents a thoughtfully curated subscription series that spans a wide spectrum—from enduring theatrical classics to innovative contemporary works—ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for audiences of all tastes.

Having attended several of their productions, I can attest to the consistent quality and heartfelt execution that define MadKap’s approach. Their commitment to excellence extends well beyond the stage. Throughout the year, the Skokie Theatre remains active with an eclectic array of programming, including live concerts, comedy showcases, and popular community events such as the Skokie Idol competition and the Short Play Festival.

The venue itself offers an inviting and intimate atmosphere. With general admission seating, early arrival is recommended to secure a preferred location; however, the thoughtful layout ensures that every seat provides a clear and comfortable view of the performance.

Next up – Pippin, starting September 5th. 

For more information and tickets to upcoming events, visit https://gopher-halibut-ga77.squarespace.com/.

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!