A “holiday for whodunit fans” takes the stage as the University of Delaware’s Resident Ensemble Players (REP) presents Frederick Knott’s psychological thriller, Dial ‘M’ for Murder, Jan. 18 through Feb. 4 in the Roselle Center for the Arts.

Inspiring Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film of the same name, Knott’s spine-tingling tale follows former tennis star, Tony Wendice, as he plots the perfect crime. Tony married Margot for her money and now it’s his motive for having her murdered. He blackmails an old acquaintance, arranges an ironclad alibi and awaits the deadly finale, until his plot goes chillingly awry. With tables turned, Tony will now stop at nothing to ensure his devious plan succeeds in this nail-biting drama.

“Even though Dial ‘M’ is best known as a Hitchcock film,” says REP Producing Artistic Director Sanford Robbins, “there is something wonderful about seeing the original stage production on which that famous movie is based. 

“The anticipation and suspense that a live performance creates can be even more electrifying than a film because it is happening right in front of us, with real people and in real time.”

Performances begin Thursday, Jan. 18, and run through Sunday, Feb. 4, in the Thompson Theatre at the University’s Roselle Center for the Arts.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.rep.udel.edu/, by phone at 302-831-2204 or in person at the REP box office in the Roselle Center for the Arts. Single tickets are $26-$31, with discounts available for seniors, full-time students, military and groups of 10 or more.

Prologues — free preshow presentations — take place on Saturday, Jan. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 4, beginning at 1:15 p.m. in the Thompson Theatre. On Jan. 27, popular lecturer Thomas Leitch, professor of English at UD, will speak on the thriller genre in popular culture. On Feb. 4, Steve Tague, director of Dial ‘M’ for Murder, will speak on his process and approach to the play.  

REP productions are supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com. 

About the REP

The Resident Ensemble Players (REP) is a professional theatre company located at UD. The REP’s mission is to engage audiences throughout the tristate region and beyond with frequent productions of outstanding classic, modern and contemporary plays performed in a wide variety of styles that celebrate and demonstrate the range and breadth of each resident actor in this ensemble of nationally respected stage actors who have been trained in the same way.

The REP is committed to create future audiences for live theatre by offering its productions at low prices that enable and encourage the attendance of everyone in the region, regardless of income.