Theatre Palisades Goes for Full Throttle Mystery

By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter

“Sit back and try to relax,” said Mrs. Tibbit (Laura Goldstein), who emerged from the dark stage depths to welcome guests to Rodingham Manor. Her eerie presence was felt in the audience who had gathered together on Friday, June 15, for Theatre Palisades’ presentation of “Write Me a Murder.”

Written by Englishman Frederick Knott (most famous for writing “Dial M for Murder” that Alfred Hitchcock adapted into a film) in 1961 and directed here by Michael-Anthony Nozzi, the play follows a passionate businessman named Charles Sturrock (Philip Bartolf) who convinces his wife Julie (Holly Sidell), a young writer who hasn’t quite realized her creative potential, to construct a murder story with another writer, the more established scribe David Rodingham (Jeff DeWitt).

Conflict arises when the story evolves from a work of fiction into an elaborate plan to remove Charles from the equation. And to make matters worse, David and his brother Clive (Tyler Parker) are at war with plans over family inheritance. Lord Rodingham has died, literally in the next room. Dr. Elizabeth Woolley (Michele Schultz) did her best, but he’s gone—and the cast effectively constructs the feeling of his presence even though he remains unseen.

The performances were strong all round, though perhaps most impressive was how Sidell transformed Julie from a passive character into a confident woman who calls the shots. This dramatic change was visually indicated by various costume changes and behavioral modifications, but also driven by her pressing dialogue.

Parker was particularly memorable as the charismatic brother Clive, and his British accent, although posh and clearly not how Parker speaks, never felt forced.

As the play develops, domestic drama complements the murder mystery; Julie is frustrated with her career, she can’t write stories when their lives involve constantly residing in hotels, the brothers argue about how they are going to manage the land they are now responsible for, and so on and so on.

When the third act hits, and Charles is “accidentally” gone, the play takes a turn toward urgent matters. Comedic elements are seamlessly introduced, most notably when David tells the police officer that he saw a man in the garden and in turn, he explains to David that he unleashed bloodhounds into his garden to find footprints. Of course, it’s wretchedly hard to tell a lie and live with it.

There was much to be admired about Sherman Wayne’s interior set design of Rodingham Manor; full of rich details that pointed to their luxurious way of life.

“Write Me a Murder” runs until July 15, so there is plenty of time to attend.

Next on Theatre Palisades’ agenda is “BARK! The Musical,” which opens on Aug. 31 and runs until Oct. 7. Tickets at theatrepalisades.com.