Mystery, Deceit, and Manipulation in Dial “M” for Murder: An Omaha Community Playhouse Show

April 6th, 2026

Dial “M” for Murder, performing at the Omaha Community Playhouse, is a noir mystery thriller based on the Dial M for Murder. Deceit, human nature, and ulterior motives all hum in the background as a lover’s quarrel turns into a crimson crime. A story about manipulation, this show brings suspense to the stage.

Addie Barnhart, the director of Dial “M” for Murder, says, “We got to explore not only this plotline of who’s going to get away with what, but by the end of the play, how we deal with all of these revenge strategies and subversion.”

The script is a revised, modern adaptation of the Hitchcock film that adds another layer of tension through its gender-swapping of the character Mark to Maxine, creating a queer love triangle. Through her diligent work with the actors, Barnhart has managed to pull apart the different layers and dimensions of the characters and relationships on stage. Barnhart says, “There’s a lot of opportunity for comedy in this play that we’re able to lift without changing the tone—without making it slapstick—but instead elevating those moments and offering little glimpses of relief, which I find really exciting.”

With an original score created by composer Kyle Thomas, the show incorporates many elements and homages to the noir inspiration of the original source material. Seeking to honor the film, Barnhart adds, “We are paying homage to the Hitchcock film, and it does have a quality of that era—the film noir style. We understand that the 1950s is really inherent to it. It’s grounded in realism.”

Dial “M” for Murder will run at the Omaha Community Playhouse from April 17 through May 10. More information can be found at omahaplayhouse.com.