Hartford Stage's world premiere of Jeffrey Hatcher's delightful, skillful adaptation of Rope appeals to even an observer who is not especially attuned to mysteries. While the whodunit aspect is delectably admitted moments into the show, the presentation is all about showing, telling, and perhaps unveiling of the story behind the murder. Director Melia Bensussen is formidably successful throughout an hour and a half as her blocking choices for six actors are precise. It's a credit to the director that actor movement is wisely specific.

Patrick Hamilton's 1929 play entitled Rope's End is said to have found its origin five years earlier. In 1924, college students known to be Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb pulled off what has been called the "perfect crime," or the "perfect murder," or the "crime of the century." The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche influenced them. Nietzsche advocated for power and will as he rejected some norms. Alfred Hitchcock released his film version, Rope, in 1948.

Jeffrey Hatcher introduces Lewis (Ephraim Birney) and Brandon (Daniel Neale), who have just done away with one of their peers. Brandon is flamboyant and self-congratulatory while Lewis seems more jittery and nervous. We learn that the body is now encased downstage center within a handsome piece of furniture.

Designer Riw Rakkulchon has created a majestic setting by utilizing Hartford Stage's expansive performance area. The interior of a grand structure in Mayfair, London is multi-tiered, inclusive of lit bookcases, old paintings, a fireplace, entryway to a rear alcove-like room, and furniture. The flooring is intricately patterned. The murderers invite people for a gathering, whereupon beverages and food are placed upon what really serves as a casket (except that the guests are unaware). The hosts claim that the flat is so filled with books they need to improvise. One of those who joins the gathering is Mr. Kentley (James Riordan), who does not realize that his son is the actual victim. Rupert Cadell (Mark Benninghofen) is a poet and professor, very vocal and the individual who gains insight as to just what has happened. Rupert is loud, but he might just have a sense of morality.

To Hatcher's credit, Rope is darkly humorous and never overbearing. Bensussen oftentimes keeps the characters on the go, but they proceed purposefully. There's a fluid, breezy feel to this continuous piece.

Jeffrey Hatcher's work has been produced on and Off-Broadway. He also wrote for film and television. With Rope, he furnishes snappy, appealing dialogue. He is able to fuse murder with mystery, and the resultant performance zips right along.

Daniel Neale is a young actor, with a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, who toured with To Kill a Mockingbird. Early on, his vitality catapults Rope into immediate high gear. Neale injects Brandon with a blend of chutzpah and charisma, which is enticing. New England theatregoers might recall Ephraim Birney from his fine turn a few summers ago in Chester Bailey at Barrington Stage. He now adeptly inhabits Lewis as one who is not nearly as audacious as Brandon, his activist partner in crime. You might even say that Lewis is worried. Mark Bennington, who has appeared Off-Broadway, at many regional theatre companies, and on both the large and smaller screen, embodies a Rupert, who gains steam and momentum as the play evolves.

Rope will quickly catch those who typically gravitate to mysteries; it might take just a bit longer to ensnare others who are slower to embrace the form. It's a fun brand of theatre which is most engrossing.

Rope runs through November 2, 2025, at Hartford Stage, 50 Church St., Hartford CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-527-5151 or visit hartfordstage.org.