Lives are on the line in Tillamook

The Tillamook Association for the Performing Arts presents the winter thriller “Dial M for Murder,” written by Frederick Knott, directed by Robert Buckingham and produced by Kristi Hanson.

The 1954 film version of the play was made famous by acclaimed suspense director Alfred Hitchcock and starred the radiant Grace Kelly.

The show opens this Friday, Feb. 2, with a Gala Night where each ticket holder receives one free beverage and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

Set in 1950s London, the thriller centers around a love triangle between Tony Wendice, portrayed by Chris Chiola, his wife Margot, portrayed by Kristin Johnson and her former lover Max, portrayed by Lynn Lothman. Tony married Margot for her money and now decides to have her killed for the same reason with some good old-fashioned revenge sprinkled in.

Tony recruits former classmate turned con man with a criminal record, “Captain” Lesgate, portrayed by Garrick Gordon, to commit the heinous crime.

Detective Hubbard, portrayed by Buckingham, arrives to investigate while an inquisitive reporter, portrayed by Mackenzie Wingate, helps the story along. Luckily, the detective from Scotland Yard, and a man deeply in love set out to uncover the truth in a scene of riveting suspense that’s perfectly written for “whodunit” fans. The clues are cleverly dropped like breadcrumbs for audiences to pick up and figure out like any good armchair detective would.

Performances will be held at 7 pm every Friday and Saturday and 2 pm every Sunday through Feb. 18 at Tillamook’s Barn Community Playhouse, 204 Ivy Avenue. For more information and tickets, go to tillamooktheater.com or call 503-812-0275.