Barter Theatre to Open DIAL 'M' FOR MURDER 9/26

Get a direct line to a suspenseful drama when Barter Theatre presents "Dial 'M' for Murder"-the play that inspired the Alfred Hitchcock movie-on the main stage beginning September 26.

The play was first written for the stage by Fredrick Knott and later adapted into a screenplay for the Hitchcock movie, which was released in 1954. Starring Grace Kelly, it marked the first of three Hitchcock collaborations with the actress. It also marked the first and only time Hitchcock was asked to film in 3D, although the movie was released as "flat." The play continues to be a favorite among suspense thrillers and can be seen in real, live 3D at Barter.

Tony Wendice, a retired professional tennis player, married his wife Margot for money, and now he has planned the perfect way to kill her. Tony has worked it out to the smallest detail when he blackmails an Old Acquaintance to murder his wife.

But even the best-laid plans go awry when the victim becomes the murderer!

Will Margot Be put to death for murder, or will the police uncover Tony's plan before it's too late?

Starring Barter Resident Acting Company members (and real-life couple) Nicholas and Wendy Piper as Tony and Margot Wendice, Sean Campos as "the lover" and Nick Koesters as Carl Swann, the criminal being blackmailed to murder Margot. Michael Poisson portrays Inspector Hubbard and is aided by policemen played by Barrett Guyton and Sean Michael Flattery. "Dial 'M' for Murder" is directed by Tricia Matthews.

According to Matthews, "Dial 'M' for Murder" is a classic among thrillers, a masterpiece of construction and intricate plotting. "This is not a typical murder mystery. We know "whodunit." The question is: can he get away with it?"

"Dial 'M' for Murder" is sponsored by Plastic Surgery Specialists, BB&T, WJHL and the Bristol Herald Courier. Barter Theatre is funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Call (276) 628-3991 or visit BarterTheatre.com for tickets and more information.