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THE OLRC RINGS UP A THRILLER IN “DIAL ‘M’ FOR MURDER.”

The Old Lyric Repertory Company (ORLC) sets its sights on July 11, 12, and 13 for the opening weekend of the company’s fourth production of the season, “Dial ‘M’ for Murder.” The timeless thriller by Frederick Knott debuts at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performances at 8 p.m. on Saturday, all at the Caine Lyric Theatre (28 W. Center St.) in downtown Logan.

As the title suggests, “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” is a mystery-melodrama. Tony Wendice, a former internationally recognized tennis star who is losing his athletic prowess, marries the wealthy Margot to enable him to maintain his comfortable lifestyle with little effort. To ensure this, Tony plans what he thinks is the perfect crime. To go any further gives away too much of this subtly crafted plot. The complex motives of its characters make the play one of the best-conceived psychological thrillers of its genre.

The play is directed by OLRC veteran Sid Perkes, who also serves as the company’s associate artistic director. According to Perkes, “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” is a well written play, and, it is hoped, patrons will go away satisfied by the experience they’ve had. In keeping the production within the playwright’s purpose, Perkes has kept the play within its classic form. Perkes reveals that in choosing the play “you should choose something you like and keep it within the writer’s intent.”

The cast in “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” includes a number of actors who have already created memorable characters in earlier Lyric summer productions. Margot, the victim of a vile plot, is played by Amber Tuttle (also seen in “One for the Pot” and “The Rivals”). Aaron Lamb portrays Tony Wendice (“One for the Pot” and “The Rivals”). Eric VanTielen (“One for the Pot” and “The Rivals”) continues his OLRC run as Max Halliday, Margot’s American friend. Steven Fehr (“One for the Pot” and “The Rivals”) gives Inspector Lesgate a face and Leigh Selting (“One for the Pot” and “The Rivals”) plays his final character of the season, Inspector Hubbard.

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder” was supposed to be Frederick Knott’s key to a career in writing. He spent 18 months on the play, only to have it converted into a 90-minute television play in England in 1952. After receiving no interest from stage producers, Knott sold the rights. James P. Sherwood produced the play at the Westminster Theatre in London in June 1952, where it was a hit. The production opened in New York on October 29, 1952, and achieved an even greater success than it had in London, running for a total of 552 performances followed by a highly successful road tour. Then, in 1954, the film version was produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock and is now considered one of his masterpieces. The play has been translated into 11 languages and has been performed in more than 20 different countries.

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder” continues through the OLRC season with a number of performances in July running into August. An evening performance of the thriller takes place on Friday, July 19, with another evening staging Friday, July 26. On Saturday, August 3, both “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” and the OLRC’s 36th season come to a close with an evening and matinee performance. Evening curtain time remains 8 p.m., while matinee performances begin at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $8-$15. The OLRC also offers a “Student Rush,” which offers half price tickets for patrons in high school and college who present their valid activity card at the box office 15 minutes before curtain time.

Tickets are available at the Spectrum Ticket Office (435-797-0305) between 9 a.m. and 5:30 pm, and at the Taggart Student Center Customer Service Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or at the Caine Lyric Box Office (28 W. Center St.) after 7 p.m. on performance evenings and from 1 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets sold at the box office are for that day’s performance only. For more information, call 435-797-1500.

With its opening, “Dial ‘M'” joins the three other OLRC productions that have opened. All four productions will play in repertory through Aug. 3.

OLRC is an educational program provided by Utah State University and its Department of Theatre Arts. It is a summer performance program for advanced theatre students working with professionals. It hosts Equity actors and designers from around the country.

OLRC is supported by grants from the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Emma Eccles Jones Foundation, Utah Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Bridgerland Travel Region, City of Logan, Anne Kennedy Roskelley Memorial En