The Mystery of Irma Vep
 Hi-Res L-R: Brian Walker, Victor Howard |
 Hi-Res Victor Howard |
 Hi-Res Victor Howard |
 Hi-Res L-R: Anwar Belkir, Victor Howard |
Mummies, And Vampires And Werewolves... Oh My!
What do you get when you add equal parts Agatha Christie, Monster Mash and Marx Brothers? You get an hysterical comedy that is destined to leave you breathless with laughter! The Ferndale Repertory Theatre opens its 35th Anniversary Season with one of the most-produced comedies in U.S. history, The Mystery of Irma Vep. This outrageously hilarious spoof by Charles Ludlam, the late founder of New York City's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, will run from Thursday, September 28 (Preview; all tickets $10) to October 22. Gala opening night is Friday, September 29, at 8:00P.M, and is in conjunction with the opening of the Art from the Hart gallery showcasing Fortuna artist, Susan Cooper. Performances continue on all Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00P.M. through October 21, with matinee performances on Sundays, October 8, 15, and 22, at 2:00 P.M. Ticket prices are $12 general and $10 student/senior. Group rates are available for 10 or more. Actor's Benefit Night is Thursday, October 19 at 8:00PM; proceeds from the evening's show go to our hard-working cast and crew. For tickets and information, please call our box office at (707) 786-5483.
Written in 1984, The Mystery of Irma Vep became the most popular of Ludlam's plays. Named one of 1984's best plays by Time Magazine and the New York Times, The Mystery of Irma Vep is a campy tribute to gothic horror films, liberally stealing from well-known film classics like Wuthering Heights, The Mummy's Curse and Alfred Hitchcock's Academy Award-winning Rebecca. Lady Enid, the new bride of noted Egyptologist Lord Edgar, is having a hard time adjusting to life in Mandacrest Mansion. The portrait of Edgar's previous wife, Irma Vep, is watching her every move, as are shifty servants and a mysterious stranger prowling the moors surrounding her home. Combine all that with crazy plot twists, and The Mystery of Irma Vep guarantees fun for everyone.
Directors Renee Grinnell and Vikki Young pulled together a great cast to present this tale of dark secrets and light moments. Victor Howard and Brian Walker take on the leads with newcomers Anwar Belkir, Lawrin Baker, Wilena Barka, Rich V. Tarwood, Corvida Worth, and Darci Thorvow in the supporting roles. Design credits go to David Kenworthy (Lights), Denise Ryles & Rosemary Smith (Costumes), Vikki Young and Daniel L. Lawrence (Set), Jim Berry (Sound), Dan Tubbs (Photography), and Vicki Charlton (Stage Manager).
The Mystery of Irma Vep has humor for everyone. It will leave you in stitches, and will be a trip to the theatre you won't soon forget. You'll have to see it to believe it and you may not even believe it then! For ticket and reservation, please call (707)786-5483.