Review: Dial M for Murder, Powerfully Dazzling Opens at Bay Street to a Standing Ovation

With an opening night packed house, delivering a zealous standing ovation, Dial M for Murder is now yet another Bay Street Theater star-studded successful production. The energy was powerfully dazzling. It is a perfect show to go see for many reasons, the first being it is a really entertaining show with great individual performances. Dial M for Murder, by Frederick Knott is a contemporary adaptation of the celebrated murder mystery made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 masterpiece film. Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Walter Bobbie, who once again shows off his Tony Award (Chicago) winning directing skills. The show runs through July 23.

Erich Bergen stars as Tony Wendice, and he is a force of nature on the stage. Although technically the villain, the audience really enjoyed his performance. He has that magic star quality. Erich Bergen is onstage almost all the time in both acts. His physical acting skills, along with a strong well, heard booming voice, rocked the theater. Expect more great things from him in the future, and get to this show to see him now.

Mamie Gummer’s eloquence charmed the audience in her role as Margot Wendice. She has a refined quality that suits the part. Her striking features were captured under the lighting design of Donald Holder. Ms. Gummer also smartly displays Costume Designer Jeff Mahshie and Associate Costume Designer Kyle LaColla fabulous dress choices, as well as nightgowns, etc. They are all the most memorable. After the show, people were saying, “What great dresses!”

Rosa Gilmore is a powerhouse as Maxine Hadley in a complicated role. Her wardrobe on stage is also, at times, arresting. Ms. Gilmore is an actor you just can’t take your eyes off. She is really good at this show. She makes things happen just by moving. She has tremendous voice projection to go along with a superb acting skill set.

Reg Rogers is just brilliant as Inspector Hubbard. At times playing against Erich Bergen, Mr. Rogers steals scene after scene in the second act. The audience rightfully so ate up his performance. Kudos to Reg Rogers; he is that good in this show.

Max Gordon Moore distinguishes himself as Lesgate. Mr. Moore’s portrayal produced a few chuckles and some full laughs.

Executive Director Tracy Mitchell and Artistic Director Scott Schwartz introduced the show standing behind a huge curtain that, when it was opened, displayed an enchanting, detailed set of the work of Assistant Set Designer Bridget Catania and Scenic Designer Anna Louizos. The set featured furniture from WYETH.NYC.

All shows at Bay Street are team productions. Therefore, praise for jobs well done to; Production Stage Manager Melissa Sparks and Assistant Stage Manager Tre’ Wheeler. Production Assistants Jonah Yoda and Donna Snyder. Assistant Director Stefanie Anarumo. Props Designer Nicole Rozanski, Hair Designer Michael Buonincontro, Sound Designer Dan Moses Schrier, Fight Director Thomas Schall, Make-up Designer Tina Turnbow, Dialect Coach Deborah Hecht and finally, a hurrah for Calleri Jensen Davis for casting.