Dial 'M' for Murder
by Frederick Knott
Directed by: Dan Bushong, Josh Mitchell and Christi E. Sears
Auditions: Apr. 7, 8, 9 (callbacks), 2024
File Downloads:
Audition Form | Audition Welcome Letter
Performances: June 13, 14, 20, 21, 22(m), 26, 27, 28, 2025
A psychological thriller that unravels an elegant mystery about an ex-tennis star who plots to kill his wealthy wife. Tony Wendice, who married his wife Margot for her money, now plans to murder her for the same reason. Tony arranges the perfect murder: He hires a scoundrel he once knew into strangling Margot, and arranges a brilliant alibi for himself. The night of the planned attack, in a thrilling surprise twist, the plan goes awry (Concord Theatricals).
Directors
This is Dan Bushong’s directorial debut at ACT. Dan was recently on ACT’s stage as Hugh ‘Bullshot’ Crummond in Bullshot Crummond, Bill Slank in Peter and the Starcatcher, Paul in Moon Over Buffalo, Andre Bouville in The Dinner Party and the dead Boddy in Clue, he was Assistant Director for Assistant Director for The Prom, stage managed Moonglow, and was stage crew for She Kills Monsters. He is also the director for Mousetrap at Majestic Theater. He is a voice actor in training. Dan lives in Albany. His hobbies are hiking, working out, video games, and volunteering.
Director’s email: bushong.danny@yahoo.com
Josh Mitchell appeared in ACT’s All Together Now! as a vocalist,
Christmas Carol as Christmas Future and Fred, Too Good to Say Goodbye as Dutch Van Dyke, The Three Musketeers as Porthos, Shrek as Fourth Knight and Mad Hatter, The Wizard of Oz in several roles, Avenue Q as Trekkie Monster and the Newcomer, It’s a Wonderful Life as George Bailey and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as Injun Joe. A real estate broker and toy store operator, he lives in Albany with his wife Holly and sons Quentin, Hudson, and Lincoln. He enjoys music, art, cooking, home remodeling, and playing Ultimate Frisbee.
Director’s email: joshmitchell.srr@gmail.com
Christi E. Sears has a string of hit musicals and plays to her credit, including: The Prom, Something Rotten!, Clue, Altogether Now (Special Event), The Secret of Chimneys: ACT Radio Play, Mamma Mia, The Addams Family, Annie, Big Fish, Shrek, Young Frankenstein, Avenue Q, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Curtains, Steel Magnolias, The Producers, The Music Man, Hello, Dolly!, The Rocky Horror Show, Pirates of Penzance, Into the Woods, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Bell, Book and Candle, Auntie Mame, and Greater Tuna at ACT. Christi also directed at CCT: Cinderella, Damn Yankees, and Little Shop of Horrors. A long-time administrative member at ACT, Christi has served four terms as president and two terms as treasurer. She currently serves on the ACT Board as Production Manager. Christi resides in Albany and has worked for over 30 years as the Accounting/Payroll Manager at Palm Harbor Homes.
Director’s email: cirsey@comcast.net
Cast of Characters
Tony Wendice: Male. Margot’s selfish, arrogant, scheming husband, he is a former professional tennis player who married Margot for her money.
Margot Wendice: Female. The charming, wealthy, naive but capable wife of Tony and once lover of Max.
Max Halliday: Male-Presenting. An American murder mystery writer, Max had an affair with Margot during the time Tony was playing professional tennis tournaments in America.
Inspector Hubbard: Male-Presenting. A British Inspector of Police, Hubbard is a bit eccentric, but thoughtful and thorough.
Captain Lesgate: Male-Presenting. An old schoolmate of Tony’s and a convicted criminal, Lesgate is now being blackmailed by Tony into murdering Margot. He seems willing to do anything for money.
Thompson: Male-Presenting. A police officer.