MAX (Drew Walther, left) implores Inspector Hubbard (James Higdon) to reconsider, while Officer Thompson (Jeff Ribeiro) looks on in “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” at the B.D.E.S. Hall, Benicia through Nov. 8.
Joe Messina photo

Benicia Old Town Theatre Group opened its 2014-15 season with a bang Friday, showcasing the talents of many in a well-crafted presentation of “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” the 1952 stage play by Frederick Knott. (Knott also wrote the screenplay for the 1954 film, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and featuring Grace Kelly and Ray Milland in the lead roles.)

“Murder” follows a tennis champion and his moneyed wife as their marriage falters over the course of several years. Tony (Alan Coyne) conceives a murderous plan to get out of the marriage and keep his wife’s millions, but as crime novelist Max Halliday (Drew Walther) suggests in an early scene, plans often don’t unfold quite the way we expect.

Rebecca Grayce, who recently captured the Solano County Arty Award for her performance in BOTTG’s “Same Time, Next Year,” carries the show as Margot, the lonely wife who has been seeking affection outside her marriage. Grayce is a joy to watch, carrying herself with poise and vividly portraying the shaken victim after an attempt is made on her life.

In the opening scene, Margot is seen entertaining Max in her living room as they await her husband’s arrival — the one major aspect of “Murder” that is hard to swallow in a modern context. The three are all entirely cool-headed and polite, socializing as if no one dared suggest that anything untoward might be going on.

Coyne, who also won an Arty for his role in “Same Time,” does well with the many lines he has to deliver as Margot’s husband Tony. He has a good stage presence and personifies the character of the cold-hearted spouse, though he lacks that superficial charm one might expect of someone who once tricked a well-to-do young woman into marrying him. Walther, adept and charismatic if not especially romantic, also does a fine job as Max the acquaintance, though perhaps not so much as Max the hero lover. In fact, while their characters do come alive in the social sense, none of the three comes across as particularly passionate.

Scott Poitras gives an engaging performance as Captain Lesgate, the man Tony blackmails into murdering his wife. He comes on cool at first, a tough customer not willing to be pushed around as Tony tries to get him to lower the price he is asking for his car — the false pretense by which he has gotten Lesgate to come to his apartment. He remains steady even after Tony reveals his true intentions, realizing he has little choice in the matter. He ends up agreeing to do the deed, making his decision just as coolly as Tony has put it to him.

James Higdon commands the stage in the second act as Inspector Hubbard, the cleverest of all the players in this attempted murder gone wrong. Higdon is thoroughly convincing as the seasoned detective who sifts through the finer details of the case, calm but convicted, professional in manner but not above conducting a sly ruse to ensnare his prime suspect.

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder” is a great mystery play, and it is handled well by the folks at BOTTG. Director Gregg Kline makes excellent use of his troupe of accomplished actors in this entertaining season opener. It all comes together beautifully against an elegant backdrop, artfully painted by Beate Brühl of Benicia’s Beate Brühl Design.

Congratulations, BOTTG, for kicking off your 51st season with a winning production.

If You Go
“Dial ‘M’ for Murder” continues at the Benicia Old Town Theatre through Nov. 8. Tickets are $18 to $20 and are available by calling 707-746-1269 or online at www.beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com.

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