Local Thespians Bring Dial M for Murder to Life

As a precaution to the audience, the program for The Gercharel Players’ production of Dial M for Murder states: “This show is not recommended for those with heart conditions, people on in years and those who easily get nightmares.”

That’s a pretty big boast, but with Dial M for Murder, a disclaimer might be imperative.

The play was written by Frederick Knott, with the original 1954 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and was promoted by the Babylon Citizens on the Arts (BACCA), which is located in Lindenhurst and run by Shawn Cullinane, BACCA president and the .

Knott’s story weaves a suspenseful tale of murder, blackmail and an affair in the old Hollywood style. Director Eric Young explained why they chose to do such a well-known play: “Part of the reason was because of the name, both of the show and Alfred Hitchcock. We expected it would draw people in, but all of his plays are also very suspenseful and keep you on the edge of your seat. So that makes it fun.”

Everyone was in full agreement as Hitchcock fans. They also agreed that it’s not always best to have someone else’s preconceived notions infiltrate your representation.

Stephen Grossman, who played Inspector Hubbard, said, “I never watch any movie beforehand. I’m not interested in someone else’s portrayal.”

That’s pretty sound advice coming from a veteran actor.

Of course, it seemed every one of the players has been involved in theater for quite some time, and each person involved had a similar story to the one Producer Charles L. Bandler shared about his start in theater.

“I was a very shy child. My first-grade teacher thought it would boost me to give me the lead in a production she’d written. Since then I was hooked,” he explained.

As the Gercharel Players took the stage for opening night last week at the , they were surrounded by the presence and the memories of fellow actors, friends and families – both the kind joined by blood and by choice.

Among them were Karen Sussman and Bobbie Ruth. They came to opening night. Sussman told Lindenhurst Patch her primary reason for attending was, “We’re both actors and we both know people in this production.”

“We’re happy to be here. It’s like old home week,” Ruth added.

The support and commemoration didn’t end there. The name of the company is a combination of Bandler’s family members’ names, and the play was in memorial of his nephew Matthew, who died tragically young of a rare form of cancer.

In addition, the production also commemorated Bandler’s and Young’s friend, Sal Zaccaro. Originally the director, Zaccaro was unable to see the production through due to circumstances with his health, but was an absolute mentor throughout.

Nancy Klimpel, who portrayed the part of Margot Wendice, explained her favorite part of theater is the family you build through it.

“Most of the people are fun and open, and you don’t have to go out of your way to learn about them. Actors are very open, and it’s like a big community,” she said.

Michael McKasty, who played Tony Wendice, intimated his favorite part about being involved in theater was seeing the audience‘s reaction.

“What’s nice is when you go out there, you take the audience for a roller coaster ride. You’re steering the ship, you bring them along with you and make them believe a whole world that’s made up in front of them,” he said.

Steven Gozdziewski, who played Max Halliday, had a similar reason for loving theater: “You bring the audience on a journey and make them forget about their every day lives.” And that’s what entertainment is all about.

The Gercharel Players put on six mainstage shows a season, with the next being Breaking Legs by Tom Dulack.

Their production of – which also recently graced the stage at – will be playing across Long Island until May 1.