New Adaptation of Suspense Thriller "Dial M for Murder" Takes Stage at Westport Country Playhouse

Dial M for Murder the suspense thriller of blackmail and revenge that inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece comes to life in a new adaptation July 11 through 30 at the Westport Country Playhouse. Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, from the original play by Frederick Knott, this will be the final production will be directed by the Playhouse's artistic director by Mark Lamos. The production will be Lamos’ final directing work at the Playhouse prior to his planned retirement in January 2024 after 15 seasons as artistic director.

This is an edge-of-your-seat tale about a devious husband, his wealthy wife, and her lover. The new version offers even more surprises and diabolic twists than the renowned Hitchcock film. The plot unfolds as Tony is convinced that his wife Margot has been cheating on him. Now it seems that the affair is over, but in his jealousy Tony spins a web of suspicion and deception that will tighten around them and ensnare them both in danger, recrimination, and murder.

Kate Abbruzzese plays Margot Wendice, Patrick Andrews as Tony Wendice, Kate Burton as Inspector Hubbard, Krystel Lucas as Maxine, and Denver Milord as Lesgate. The creative team includes Alexander Dodge, scenic design; Fabian Fidel Aguilar, costume design; Emma Deane, lighting design; Kate Marvin, sound design; Michael Rossmy, fight director/intimacy coach; Shane Ann Younts, dialect coach; Matthew Melchiorre, production stage manager; Kevin Jinghong Zhu, assistant stage manager; and Natalie Hoefling, production assistant.

Performance schedule is Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m., and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The play is recommended for age 12 and up. Running time is approximately two hours with one intermission.

Kate Abbuzzese (Margot Wendice), Krystel Lucas (Maxine Hadley), Patrick Andrews (Tony Wendice), and Kate Buxton (Inspector Hubbard). Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Single tickets for Dial M for Murder start at $45 and are subject to change based upon availability. For information on special offers, including discounts for students, senior citizens, educators, military and first responders, Indigenous peoples, professional playwrights, and groups, as well as options for pay-what-you-will and library passes visit www.westportplayhouse.org/visit/box-office/.

For Westport Country Playhouse information and tickets, visit westportplayhouse.org or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529. Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.