by Christine Sarkes and Erika Yasmeen Sasseville (a mother/daughter review)

Dial M for Murder at the Guthrie Theater through February 25 is the perfect date night or Galentine’s Day evening at the theater. What better way to celebrate modern romance than by watching a murder mystery thriller? There is something for everyone in this clever adaptation of Frederick Knott’s original play turned classic Alfred Hitchcock movie. The acting is pitch perfect, the costume and set designs are stunning (that red dress!) and the plot has more twist and turns than a Monaco Grand Prix.

This adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher sets the story in a tony, mid-century London flat, where we meet Maxine (Lori Vega), who is in town promoting her new murder mystery. Maxine drops in on her former lover Margot (Gretchen Egolf), who reveals she’s being blackmailed for a love letter from Maxine that would ruin her carefully constructed conventional life. Margot thinks her husband Tony (David Andrew Macdonald) is clueless, but he is instead executing a plot to murder Margot in revenge while inheriting her fortune. The play cleverly reveals the murderer’s identity and plan right away, allowing the audience to discover clues that support or unravel his alibi. Tension and anticipation are built into not knowing if he will succeed or fail in his dastardly deeds.

Macdonald is perfectly cast as the slimy sociopathic cuckolded husband. It is fun to watch his unshakeable arrogance deteriorate with every plot twist. Vega deftly plays her Maxine with a cool sophistication and Egolf her Margot with a naive exasperation. Brian Thomas Abraham stole his scenes as the sharp-witted Inspector Hubbard, defying the usual muddled, stereotypical stage investigator.

And finally, again, bravo to the costume (Valérie Thérèse Bart) and scenic (Walter Spangler) designers. They were breathtaking in their design, color and integration with the plot and characters. For example, we noticed that Tony’s clothing colors remained cool and muted in contrast with the women’s brightly colorful dresses, matching their character portraits. The mid-century furniture and set lighting captured both the luxuriousness and dark undertones of the couple’s life.

Dial M for Murder originally written by Frederick Knott, with Jeffrey Hatcher (Adapter), Tracy Brigden (Director), Walt Spangler (Scenic Designer), Valérie Thérèse Bart (Costume Designer), Xavier Pierce (Lighting Designer), John Gromada (Sound Designer/Composer), Keely Wolter (Vocal Coach), Aaron Preusse (Fight Director), Doug Scholz-Carlson (Intimacy), Jennifer Liestman (Resident C. Casting Director), and Karl Alphonso (Stage Manager). Tickets range from $29 to $82. Single and group tickets (minimum requirement of 15 per group) may be purchased through the Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis Box Office at 612.377.2224 (single), 1.877.447.8243 (toll-free), 612.225.6244 (group) or online at guthrietheater.org.