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Christine Albright teaches acting classes during the day at the Syracuse Stage/Drama Theater Complex. But this week, she escapes onto the stage of “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” where her students see her teachings come to life. To Albright, her students must have real-life actors as instructors.

“This play has allowed me to deepen my relationship with Syracuse Stage,” Albright said. “As somebody who lives in Syracuse now and is working at (Syracuse University), it’s a really important relationship.”

Playwright and screenwriter Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” is currently at Syracuse Stage from Oct. 16 to Nov. 3. Set in 1950s London, the play follows Margot Wendice, a wealthy British housewife who cheats on her husband, Tony. When he learns of her affair, he plans to get revenge. The adaptation, which premiered in San Diego, California, in 2021, features more contemporary elements, such as LGBTQ+ characters and a faster-paced story.

Robert Hupp, the artistic director, intentionally chose the show to kick off Syracuse Stage’s 2024-25 season. He said he was drawn to “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” because of its popularity and fit with other selected plays like Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” and “Primary Trust.”

Albright described the show as a “new take on a classic story.” In the original play, the affair is between Wendice and male love interest, Max Halliday. In Hatcher’s adaptation, the affair occurs between Wendice and female love interest, Maxine Hadley.

The introduction of LGBTQ+ relationships adds a level of modernity and also danger, Albright said. During the 1950s, there were laws in London that outlawed same-sex relations between men and enforced stereotypes that ridiculed lesbians. This history comes to life with the male characters’ dismissive language surrounding Wendice’s affair and trial for a murder she did not commit.

While playing Wendice, Albright escapes to a luxury she is unfamiliar with. Coming together and living in the world of the play serves as Albright’s distraction from the stresses of daily life.

Other actors have personal connections they created for the show as well. J.D. Webster, who plays Chief Inspector Hubbard, designs a history for the characters he plays. Webster said as a Black actor, it’s important that he connects the characters he plays to real-life people and events.

The original Chief Inspector Hubbard in Alfred Hitchcock’s adaptation was a white actor, John Williams. After conducting research on Scotland Yard, Webster said he found that in the 19th century, there was a biracial inspector named Robert Branford.

“The audience doesn’t know this, but my character’s name is Robert Branford Hubbard in honor of him,” Webster said.

The 1950s-style living room set of “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” with tones of orange and teal, is inviting, Albright said. The costumes of swing dresses and set pieces like the living room sectional are some of the highlights that let the audience travel into the world of mystery, just like Albright.

“(The play) is about people coming together and watching a story unfold that is thrilling and getting to share that with strangers and loved ones,” Albright said.

Though the show does not feature any music, there is musicality to each scene, Albright said. The play’s rhythm is crucial to the storytelling process. The cast carefully builds up to “ah-ha” moments, where audience members are clued in on the mystery of the show.

While artistically directing the play, Hupp worked with Tony Award-nominated sound designer John Gromada to underscore each scene with instrumentals and sound effects. He said when directing a thriller like “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” music heightens the stakes and reality of the scene.

“(Gromada’s) soundscape is really an essential component to storytelling to get us that sort of tension we expect from a thriller,” Hupp said.

The play is a fun ride, with many twists and turns, Webster said. It establishes a sense of community and joint collaboration in the present. Webster hopes audience members can come together for a short period of time and enjoy the show.

“The times require it,” Webster said. “There’s so many stressors in the world right now, and to have only a couple hours to be in a room and relieving yourself of that angst and having a good time, I think is gold.”

Published on October 29, 2024 at 11:57 pm