vertigo

REVIEW: Piecing together an elegant puzzle in Greater Boston Stage Company’s crime thriller, ‘Dial M For Murder’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Prior to witnessing this re-imagined working of the Alfred Hitchcock classic, Dial M for Murder, Greater Boston Stage Company cleverly sets the mood with a variety of 50s antique deco rotary phones and other paraphernalia in the lobby before entering the theatre.  To those who have seen this crime thriller before, the phone plays a key role in this cognizant tale of love, blackmail, greed and murder.

Kimberlee Connor in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Dial M for Murder’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Scrupulously directed by Weylin Symes, Greater Boston Stage Company continues Dial M for Murder live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts through Sunday, May 19.  This sleuth-laden production is two hours with a 10 minute intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Kimberlee Connor and Lily Kaufman in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Dial M for Murder’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Like a lot of Alfred Hitchcock thrillers, Dial M for Murder offers strategically placed doses of winking self awareness in its characters as Margot, depicted by Kimberlee Connor and Lily Kaufman as Maxine contemplate and fixate on the nature of a perfect murder.  Right off the bat, what becomes clear is this is no murder mystery. The audience knows whodunit, but the real question is exactly how all will be revealed.  Set in 1950s London, the cast exact British accents beautifully which lends a heightened sophistication to the production thanks to dialect coach Lee Nishri-Howitt.

Kimberlee Hall, Michael Ryan Buckley and Lily Kaufman in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Dial M for Murder’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Dial M for Murder offers a scandalous love triangle as did the 1954 film with a twist.  The love triangle is fully intact but Max is now Maxine depicted by Lily Kaufman who was once a love interest of Michael Ryan Buckley as Tony who is married to Kimberlee Connor’s Margo and Margo was more recently having an affair with Maxine.

Lily Kaufman, Robert D. Murphy and Kimberlee Connor in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Dial M for Murder’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Dial M for Murder embraces the classic noir crime thriller with finesse in sleek and stylish 50s attire by Deirdre Gerrard in red lipped glamour, pearls and upscale attire, especially in Lily Kaufman as Maxine.  Kaufman looks like a glamorous screen starlet from Old Hollywood in smart, button down business suits reminiscent of Rosalind Russell with coiffed hair, clipped accent and poised mannerisms.  Maxine is a struggling writer with a new book out and hopes to sell it through an important interview on the BBC.  Wealthy heiress and housewife Margot is sheltered but not to be underestimated and Michael Ryan Buckley portrays a terrific Tony.  Buckley’s bright, chatty vocals and genteel demeanor is a great façade for smirking and evasive concern.  It’s fascinating to watch Buckley work a room.

Michael Ryan Buckley and Bill Mootos in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Dial M for Murder’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Bill Mootos impressively portrays an elusive character under many names and Robert D. Murphy as Inspector Hubbard is on the case of what happened, how, and why.

Robert D. Murphy, Kimberlee Connor, and Michael Ryan Murphy in Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘Dial M for Murder’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Dial M for Murder boasts a gorgeous set by Katy Monthei featuring Venetian blinds, long silk curtains, plush white couches, translucent foyer, French doors, and gold accented furniture.  Jeff Adelberg’s sophisticated yet eerie lighting design and the slanted illusion of set dimensions is reminiscent of Hitchcock’s grand visual illusions in his work demonstrated in his psychological thriller films like Vertigo.   Andrew Duncan Will’s compelling sound design is an intricate combination of robust radio feed and well as a vintage and riveting music score.

Katy Monthei’s set Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

The show is a bit of a talkie, but the suspense is always looming and with capable and levelheaded Murphy as shrewd inspector Hubbard, this complex case of conspiracy and cover ups just might get cracked.

Scrupulously directed by Weylin Symes, Greater Boston Stage Company continues Dial M for Murder live and in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts through Sunday, May 19.  This sleuth-laden production is two hours with a 10 minute intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  In these tough times, escape down Greater Boston Stage Company’s zany production of Hitchcock’s ‘The 39 Steps’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

What are the 39 Steps?

Like so many Hitchcock creations, it’s complicated.  However, though this Hitchcock production is presented during Halloween season, please don’t let that scare you away.  The 39 Steps is based on John Buchan’s 1915 thriller novel by the same name, was adapted by Alfred Hitchcock into a classic British film in 1935, and adapted to the stage by Patrick Barlow.  Though The 39 steps will certainly keep the audience on its toes, it has more than its share of comedic moments sure to deliver more laughter than frights. 

Greater Boston Stage Company joyfully returned indoors to present Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller comedy mystery, The 39 Steps which continues through Sunday, October 10 at the Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, MA.  The show runs approximately 2 hours and 15 min including an intermission.  Click here for more information and tickets.

  • From L to R: KP Powell, Russell Garrett, Paul Melendy, and Grace Experience in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Directed imaginatively by llyse Robbins, this dynamic crime noir boasts plenty of vintage flair as well as adventure, romance, comedy, and suspense.  However, what really makes this show such fun is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

KP Powell and Paul Melendy in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

The 39 Steps pay tribute to Hitchcock’s body of works with a catchy story while spoofing some of his most famous works along the way.  Vertigo and Rear Window is just a portion of the Hitchcock Easter eggs run amok in this production.  Some of the dark and witty humor from The 39 Steps call to mind humor likened to other murder mystery comedy classics including Clue.

Shelley Barish’s modest and multi-functional set design, Daisy Long’s mercurial lighting, and Andrew Duncan Will’s exceptional, carefully-timed sound effects play a pivotal role in some of the production’s most humorous scenes.  Moveable set pieces transform each scene and costume designer Rachel Padula-Shufelt’s colorful gowns, dynamic wigs, and tweed and paisley suits enliven the production’s vintage noir atmosphere. 

Taking on this production was no small feat for its four stellar actors who depict a total of 150 characters.  However, they were more than up for the task as they sometimes cleverly and quite literally switch roles at the drop of a hat or within seconds.  With impeccable timing and snappy chemistry, these dynamic performers bring to life a variety of accents and deliver a great deal of physical comedy while delivering sharp and at times quirky dialogue. 

Russell Garett, KP Powell, Grace Experience, and Paul Melendy in a makeshift car in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Paul Melendy portrays Richard Hannay with a mix of bumbling and debonair charm.  Set in Scotland, he is a man on the run after a chance encounter with a femme fatale in all her forms by Grace Experience, leading to a murder mystery.   What Grace Experience does particularly well is though she depicts each character distinctly, they all have the same familiar strength, resourcefulness, and truthfulness as the tale unfolds.  With Russell Garrett and KP Powell quite often after Hannay, it’s a madcap adventure with high jinx galore and likable characters that range from a ludicrous man with ridiculous eyebrows to a flirtatious and outspoken innkeeper.  Some of the scenes are arbitrary and self aware and a couple of gags get a bit repetitive, yet fit right into the production’s silly charm.

From L to R: Russell Garrett, Paul Melendy, Grace Experience, and KP Powell in ‘The 39 Steps’ Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Take a break from these difficult times and escape down Greater Boston Stage Company’s unconventional, madcap, and lighthearted The 39 Steps continuing through Sunday, October 10.  Click here for more information, tickets, and for a closer look at Greater Boston’s Stage Company’s 22nd season.

Celebrity Series of Boston’s 78th season boasts big shows and return of Stave Sessions concert series

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Having kicked off another sensational season with the return of Pianos in Boston, Celebrity Series of Boston’s 78th season has been offering a broad spectrum of captivating performances in their 41 show lineup including the debut of the Vertigo Dance Company, the Berliner Philharmoniker led by conductor Sam Rattle, as well as Argentine cello star, Sol Gabetta with French pianist Bertrand Chamayou.  Celebrity Series of Boston is taking audiences through the winter and spring with mesmerizing performances by Yo-Yo Ma, The Art of Elegance with Kristin Chenoweth, KODO’s 35th anniversary, and the return of the concert series, Stave Sessions.  Click here for more information and the full calendar.

Presented on the Berklee College of Music campus and sponsored by Susan and Michael Sonis, Margaret Eagle, and Eli Rapoport, Celebrity Series of Boston offers five consecutive nights of dynamic, live music in jazz, classical, indie, Moroccan, and contemporary flavors.  Each night has its own unique feel and takes place from Tuesday, March 21 through Saturday, March 25 at 8:30 p.m.

Stave Sessions with YMusic on Tuesday, March 21 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston
Stave Sessions – Melissa Aldana on Wednesday, March 22 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston
Stave Sessions – Tigue on Thursday, March 23 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston
Stave Sessions – InnovaGwana also on Wednesday, March 23 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Series of Boston
Stave Sessions – Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society on Thursday, March 24
Stave Sessions – Blonde Redhead featuring Acme on Saturday, March 25 Photo courtesy of Julien Bourgeois

On Tuesday, March 21, the music festival kicks off with YMusic, a group that combines pop and classical styles followed by award-winning tenor sax player Melissa Aldana on Wednesday, March 22.  Electrifying, 18-piece big band orchestra Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society takes the stage by storm on Thursday, March 23 and Tigue and Innov Gnawa combine Moroccan gnawa music with a contemporary percussion trio on Friday, March 24.  The final night features indie music group, Blond Redhead featuring Acme on Saturday, March 25.  A festival pass gains access to all five shows.

Click here for the full list of performances and for tickets. Subscriptions and gift cards are also available.  Celebrity Series of Boston thrives on support from the community. Click here for a variety of ways to support Celebrity Series of Boston.