Murder, Mystery, and Misdirection: Why “Dial M for Murder” Still Stuns
Village Theatre brings suspense and intrigue, The 5th Avenue Theatre serves up pies and showstopping tunes, and Intiman debuts a new educational initiative.
The plot of a thriller may be difficult to predict, but the reason we love them is simple. It’s right there in the name. Who doesn’t love a good thrill?
Thrillers consistently rank as one of the most commercially successful genres in both publishing and film, according to data from NDP Bookscan and Statistica. The popularity of Frederick Knott’s Dial M for Murder, originally produced as a BBC television program in 1952, is testament to the fact that a good thriller never goes out of style. The play was an instant hit, moving immediately to the stage and then on to Hollywood as an Alfred Hitchcock film in 1954.
In the decades since, Dial M for Murder has been adapted a number of times. In 2022, playwright Jeffrey Hatcher created a new stage version that premiered at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, CA. Testament to the play’s enduring relevance, Hatcher didn’t change the original setting or structure. Instead, he ratcheted up the stakes by adding a few new twists including changing the character of Max Halliday to Maxine Hadley.
On the Stage
This week arts organizations across Seattle will take you on a trip through communist Russia, Harlem, and the Deep South of America.
Waitress
Musical Theatre | 5th Avenue Theatre
Now – March 30 | Tickets
Jenna dreams of leaving behind a life she didn’t imagine for herself, and the announcement of a baking contest could be her ticket out. Supported by her best friends, Jenna chooses to open her heart to the messier parts of life, which certainly don’t come with a recipe.
More Events
- The Hula Hoopin’ Queen | Seattle Children’s Theatre | Now – March 23 | View the Program
- Mother Russia | Seattle Rep | Now – April 6 | View the Program
- Chick Corea to Wynton Marsalis | Seattle Symphony | March 18
- Jeremy Denk | Meany Center for the Performing Arts | March 18
Next Line
An exciting announcement from Village Theatre and Intiman introduces a new workshop series.
- Village Theatre has unveiled its 2025/26 season, featuring five exciting mainstage productions. Subscribe early to save 20% on single-ticket prices and secure the best seats for a lineup that begins with Brigadoon, followed by 9 to 5, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Grease, and the world premiere of We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon and Parfunkel Musical. Plan ahead and lock in your tickets today.
- Intiman Theatre kicks off its new Night School program with Facilitating Trust/Imagining Futures, a three-day workshop led by acclaimed theatre-maker and facilitator Michael Rohd, June 20–22 at the Lee Center for the Arts. Drawing from 35 years of experience, Rohd will share tools for designing experiences, guiding groups through challenges, and fostering meaningful public engagement. This workshop is the first of many continuing education opportunities from Intiman.
