Imagine committing a crime—not out of necessity, but simply for the thrill of danger and the act itself. That chilling premise sets the stage for Rope, the first play of 2025 by UpStage Artists. This gripping drama and tense mystery follows two young men, Wyndam Brandon and Charles Granillo, who believe their gruesome act proves their intellectual superiority. After committing the unthinkable, they host a dinner party with the victim’s body hidden in a chest—used as the evening’s dining table. To heighten the audacity, they invite the victim’s father and aunt to the gathering.
Rope draws inspiration from the infamous 1924 Leopold and Loeb case. Nathan Freudenthal Leopold, Jr. and Richard Albert Loeb, two wealthy University of Chicago students, kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks in what they believed was a demonstration of their genius. Their crime, which they considered the “perfect murder,” was dubbed the “crime of the century.”
Patrick Hamilton’s Rope was his first major theatrical success, debuting in London before moving to Broadway. It was later adapted for a 1938 BBC broadcast, but perhaps its best-known version is Alfred Hitchcock’s 1948 film starring Jimmy Stewart. Hitchcock’s adaptation is lauded for its groundbreaking technical style, with long takes and minimal editing, making the story unfold almost in real time.
Now, UpStage Artists is bringing this classic story to life for a new generation. With its suspenseful twists and compelling moral dilemmas, this production promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Will Brandon and Granillo’s arrogance lead to their downfall, or will they truly commit the perfect crime?
Find out when you see Rope! Performances are February 21, 22, 28, and March 1 at 7:30 pm, with matinees on February 23 and March 2 at 2 pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.upstageartists.com/tickets or at the door. All performances take place at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, MD 20705.
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