Pittsburg State University

04/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2024 12:58

Pitt State Theatre presents iconic suspense thriller: Dial M for Murder

The curtain goes up this week on Pitt State Theatre's production "Dial M for Murder," an iconic suspense thriller.

Margot and Tony Wendice have a troubled marriage because she hides a secret and he's a jealous man who married her for her money. Tony hatches a plan to murder Margot, but when his plot goes awry, he scrambles to not get caught. Will he get away with the perfect crime or will justice be served?

The show will be performed in the Dotty and Bill Miller Theater at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 1711 S. Homer, at 7:30 p.m. on April 18, 19, and 20, and at 2 p.m. on April 20 and 21.

In this updated adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher, based on the original play by Frederick Knott that influenced Alfred Hitchcock's famous film, the play contains plot twisting turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Margot dreams of a life of excitement and thrill while her husband, Tony, is a failed writer who works as a public relations agent. Their friend, Maxine Hadley, is a popular crime thriller novelist who is writing her next big book. The lives become complicated by all the secrets they attempt to hide.

"The suspense thriller genre has always been one of my favorites, but this play is not a whodunit murder mystery. You know the murderer from the beginning and you keep watching to see if he's clever enough to outsmart everyone else around him to get away with the crime," said Megan Westhoff, director.

With a cast of alumni and current students, Megan Reed (Pittsburg) and Drew Cormier (Coffeyville) play Margot and Tony with Amiah Roberts (Girard) as Maxine Hadley.

The cast also includes Stirling Luckey (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) as Lesgate, Eli Bell (Coffeyville) as Inspector Hubbard, and Gavyn Nybakken (Cottage Grove, Minnesota) as the BBC Radio Host.

The production staff includes Linden Little, scenic and lighting designer, and Lisa Quinteros, costume designer. Stage managers are Korah Calvin (Gardner) and Mia Garrett (Paola). Leah McDonald (Lamar, Missouri) serves as props manager.

"The Pitt State Theatre program is incredibly lucky to have a diverse group of creative people bringing this classic thriller to life," said Westhoff.

Pitt State Theatre is partnering with affiliated organizations of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. Donations of canned vegetables or other nonperishable foods will be accepted at each show for Wesley House.

"Our community continues to be supportive of the arts and giving back is one important way to show our care and concern for the greater good," said Westhoff.

Tickets are free to anyone with a valid Pitt State ID.

Tickets are $14 for the general public and $9 for under 17 or over 64 and are available at the Ticket Office, Room 137 in the Weede Physical Education Building.

They also may be purchased by calling 620-235-4796, online at pittstate.edu/tickets, or at the door approximately 30 minutes prior to curtain.