It’s hard to find any faults with this polished production in Colorado Springs
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center’s season opener dazzles with seasoned and well-synched actors on an exquisite set in its dynamic rendition of Dial M for Murder playing at the Colorado College venue through Oct. 6.
Popularized by the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock movie starring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly, Director Elise Santora delivers the thrill and stays true to the original — albeit with some feminist leanings in her characterizations.
The stunning set by Lex Liang transports the audience to 1952 London and the opulent flat of Tony and Margot Wendice, played with precision by Jonas Cohen and Maggie Tisdale. A former tennis pro, the pompous Tony is dependent on his wealthy socialite wife. Convinced of her having stepped out on him, he plots to murder her for the fortune. As with most schemes steeped in desperation, everything that can goes wrong.
Interloper (and showstopper) in the storyline is Maxine Hadley (Amaya Egusquiza) who lands center stage in every scene. From her cocky sway in snappy suits and spikey pumps, Egusquiza struts and smokes her way through the play like a graceful serpent, clairvoyant of all that is to come.
| Photo: Isaiah Downing
Dressed to kill
A special nod to Costume Designer Harry Nadal and his careful attention to detail. Maxine’s back seamed stockings are an eye-catching nuance and ought to make a comeback! The men’s suits are spot-on period attire. Dresses and hairstyles, hats, overcoats and even fabrics are a perfect replica of the ’50s British aristocracy.
Mentally mapping every detail and even contriving his alibi, Cohen shines as Tony. He plays it confident and commanding in his words and onstage physicality. Yet he is vulnerable, fearful that divorce will leave him penniless. He hires a small-time conman to do the deed.
Enter the cocky criminal Lesgate. FAC newcomer Jeff Ronan nails the role. Ronan captures every bit the sleazy weasel the writer intended. As Tony hits play on the scheme, the cars on the track derail to reveal greed and deception on many fronts.
No London-based mystery would be complete without Scotland Yard, and Inspector Hubbard (Brian Landis Folkins) is the no-nonsense badge who sees every astonishing detail as every malicious act is uncovered. Always reliable Folkins baits the suspects with a slow build until they incriminate themselves.
The exquisite set by Lex Liang really sets the scene | Photo: Isaiah Downing
All in sync
The set, the actors and the action are in perfect harmony. One cannot help but notice the choreography of people, props, and movement as they flow with agility and pose with purpose. Accolades to Scenic Designer Lex Liang and her thoughtful visuals.
Not only does this show start with great (and timeless) material, but it also captures the best of its era while throwing some new spices into the recipe. Margot’s lover is not who you might think, but the innuendo is strong enough to up the intrigue. Purists might wince at some liberties, but the modern appeal is there and reflective.
Director Santora gives ample attention to the show’s stagecraft. Another nod to 19-year FAC Lighting Designer Holly Ann Rawls whose vision not only channels Hitchcock’s in the mystery genre, but also captures the amber-hued nostalgia of the era.
Dial M for Murder will catapult its audience and hold you spellbound until the end. How we love passion, lies, and greed as an entertainment mainstay. This mystery is easy to solve: Book your seat for this one!
Amaya Egusquiza, Jonas Cohen and Maggie Tisdale in ‘Dial M for Murder’ | Photo: Isaiah Downing
Loved it. Every minute was enjoyable. I can’t recall the original movie, either I missed it, or it’s been too long. I presume the movie was not, as…funny. Sometimes the audience caught the humor before I did, and I laughed after the fact. But one time I laughed and no one else seemed to laugh, at a funny line about Betrand Russell. Russell being a famous mathematician, logician and philosopher. It was so out of place to mention him, I laughed. I adored the set, especially the lighting. How many plays mention famous mathematicians? My sister commented she would enjoy living in their accommodations. I should note that they turned the plot around a bit, which anti progressive people will find annoying perhaps. All I can say was, it was an effective flip.