"A masterpiece of a murder mystery even Hitchcock would envy."

The words Dial M for Murder shine on the traditional red velvet curtains at the Imperial Theatre as a few ominous notes ring through the theatre.

The Saint John Theatre Company compellingly set the stage for its final show of the season. This traditional red velvet curtain welcomes you to the show, letting you know you're in for an evening of mystery and suspense. Thanks to Alfred Hitchcock's film of the same title, this stage version of 'Dial M' is one audience members recognize for its familiarity. Jeffrey Hatcher adapted Frederick Knott's original work.

The curtains open to reveal Tony and Margot Wendice's flat. The center stage features a large, 50s-style red couch accompanied by a matching chair. The room has a large fireplace to the right near the bedroom door. A few steps up and the left is the main entrance to the flat. To the right of the stage is a large wooden desk situated in front of the French doors that lead to the garden. Dave Belyea's set adds to the murder and mystery that are about to unfold in this excellent space. The only downside to the set is the text above, which informs the audience of the time and location throughout the show. From where I was seated, I could see the first few letters. It's a good thing this wasn't vital for the enjoyment of the show.

The acting company is splendid.

Slimy, smarmy Tony Wendace is played to perfection by Cameron Secord. From the moment he came on stage, he oozed a creepy guy who would be up to no good in a short time. His interaction with Scott Brownlee as the wonderful Captain Lesage was splendid; it's one of the scenes I would have enjoyed playing out longer in this adaptation simply because the rapport between these two actors was perfect. Pippa Wennberg is Margot Wendice, and Christina Isbill is Maxine Hadley (those familiar with the film will recognize that this character was altered to a woman by Jeffrey Hatcher). Their interactions were enjoyable, alluding to a tryst they may have had in the past, which we soon learn was what sparked Tony Wendice's conniving and led to the plotting of the perfect murder.

Rounding out the cast was Gilbert Boyce as Inspector Hubbard, who was well played, with enough nods to the audience that we knew he had known what had happened all along but needed to catch the culprit red-handed.

Director Bertis Sutton pulled off something special here. The whole production was a masterpiece of a murder mystery that even Hitchcock would envy. The entire show felt like a movie from beginning to end. I expected the credits to roll in the same fashion that the show started, with the title of the show shining on the red velvet curtain.

Dial M for Murder was an absolute delight, full of suspense and excitement, reminiscent of a classic Alfred Hitchcock film or novel by Agatha Christie.

Running time: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with intermission.

The production has now closed. It ran until May 24th at the Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square S., Saint John. New Brunswick

A Saint John Theatre Company production

Dial M for Murder, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original by Frederick Knott
Directed by Bertis Sutton
Set Designer: Dave Belyea
Head of Properties: Bertis Sutton
Costume Designer: Brenda McLeese
Light, Video and Sound Design: Drew Murdock
Technical Director: Scott McRae
Stage Manager Drew Murdock

Performers: Pippa Wennberg, Christina Isbill, Cameron Secord, Scott Brownlee, and Gilbert Boyce.