Dial M For Murder

Why you should see Dial M for Murder

Because Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation takes a classic thriller and makes it even more twisty.
Because Tony Wendice’s plot is so initially well-planned, you might just start taking notes on your own (just kidding; don’t do that).
Because the only thing more dangerous than a perfect crime is a perfect crime gone wrong.

Synopsis

Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, who wrote City Lights’ 2015 hit Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, now brings us a new version of the celebrated mystery that inspired Hitchcock’s masterpiece. Tony is convinced that his wife Margot has been cheating on him with Maxine. Now it seems that the affair is over, but in his jealousy Tony spins a web of suspicion and deception that will ensnare them both in danger, recrimination and murder. In this updated thriller, writes The Times of San Diego, “the pace is quicker, the dialogue is snappier, the women are smarter and more complex. But the motive for murder remains the same.”

Cast

Margot: Gwynnevere Cristobal
Maxine: Maria Marquis
Tony: George Psarras*
Lesgate: Drew Benjamin Jones
Inspector: Nick Mandracchia
Understudies: Sydney Harmon, Tiffany Cartagena and Matt Davis

*Member, Actors’ Equity Association

Resources

High-res photos
Press release
Show program and Highlights dramaturgy guide coming soon!

Details and special events

Dial M for Murder previews March 12 and 13, 2026, and runs through April 12. (No show on March 15 or April 5.) Showtimes are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with one 2 p.m. Saturday matinee on March 28 and one 7:30 Wednesday show on April 1. Single tickets are $31-$75, now with no fees.

Don’t be scared off by the seats labeled “Slightly obstructed.” They have a narrow wooden post partially in view from the seat. Most folks say the experience in our intimate theater is just fine!

Bring a group of 10 or more and get 25% off the face value of each ticket. Contact the box office to discuss details. If you are an employee of a fellow theater company seeking industry comps, please email us at least 48 hours in advance. Subject to availability.

Health & safety:
If you are feeling unwell, please stay home, and don’t worry about your tickets. We’ll be happy to exchange them for another performance, free of charge. During the run of each show, we require masks indoors on Sunday of the third weekend. On other dates, they are recommended. Learn more about our health & safety protocols.

Special events:
“What’s a preview performance?”
Thursday, March 12, 7:30 p.m.: Pay What You Can Preview Night. (Call the box office at 408-295-4200 to name your own price.)
Friday, March 13, 8 p.m.: Preview Night.
Saturday, March 14, 8 p.m.: Opening Night.
Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m.: On this night, we’re donating 10% of regular-priced single-ticket sales to Theatre Bay Area’s Mary Mason Lemonade Fund! See the show and support the fund, which aids theater workers with critical illnesses, conditions or injuries.
Sunday, March 22: Stay after the 2 p.m. matinee for an in-person talkback with director Mark Anderson Phillips and the cast! And meet our nonprofit partner, The Grateful Garment Project!
Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m.: Mask-required performance.
Wednesday, April 1, 7:30 p.m.: $40 Industry Night. We’ve added a Wednesday performance to make life easier for theater-makers. (The night is open to everyone.)
Wednesday, April 8, 7 p.m.: Join us on Zoom for a free, fun chat with our Dial M artists. Sign up online.

Nonprofit partner:
City Lights is honored to support The Grateful Garment Project (TGGP) as our nonprofit partner. TGGP helps restore dignity to sexual violence victims who seek community, medical and/or law enforcement assistance, making sure they receive new clothing and essential comfort items they require in the aftermath of trauma.

Parking and other info

Should you require accessible parking, email us or add a note to your order to reserve a spot in front of the glass doors. We will accommodate as many as possible. The theater is wheelchair-accessible; book the accessible & companion seats when buying tickets.

For everyone else, there are many lots downtown (street parking can be hard to find). Most ParkSJ garages offer 90 minutes of free parking, and the website ParkSJ.org is a great resource providing real-time parking availability, maps and more.

The closest city lot is the First Street and I-280 Lot, under the freeway. Parking there is limited, but free on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Learn more about accessibility and public transit in the area.

Due to the intimate size of our theater, we unfortunately are not able to seat late patrons. Thank you for your understanding.