Arena favorites Brad Oscar and J. Fred Shiffman return in Charles Ludlam's riotously absurd gothic thriller, The Mystery of Irma Vep. Gleefully ransacking literary, cinematic and pop culture, this hilarious Obie Award-winner spoofs everything from Rebecca to Victoria Melodrama to The Mummy's Curse. On the proverbial "dark and stormy night," lady Enid (newly married to Egyptologist Lord Edgar) arrives at an estate under the spell of his deceased first wife and haunted by something that's prowling the moors. She quickly encounters a werewolf, a vampire, an Egyptian princess and the mystery of Irma Vep, whose portrait hangs over the fireplace. With dozens of lightning-fast transformations, Brad and Fred portray all the characters - men, women, and monsters - in a gender bending tour-de-farce.
User Reviews
Read what our TM Insiders had to say about The Mystery of Irma Vep!
Possibly you were to busy taking notes, and therefore didnt see the many sight gags and subtle neuances of the characters. Dont tell me an actor was too broad. The Director directed that way, and if you are any kind of critic, you would know that. If you dont like the play, at least give compliments where due: Mr Oscar, Mr Shiffman and Ms Teichman have crafted a fine piece. I guess it is easier to write a neg review than a poz
in addition, many of the negative comments about the show seem to follow the Wash Post review. The POST continues to pander to Signature theatre,Good or Bad, i.e. Glory Days panned in NYC, Praised in DC, then capitulated in accordance with New York. BE HONEST to your readers. "Will they enjoy?" is the most important question you could ask prior to writing a review. We dont want to know how well yhou think you can write!
Having said that "VEP" is FUN from start to finish.
The play, at Ludlums behest, is to be done as each director sees fit. Small set large set it didnt matter. Here you have a fine threesome...2 wonderful actors and a director seeing their vision come to life. Why compare it to the original when we are 24 years away from it!!! Critique the piece, do not its compare it to an original! You have done a disservice to Arena Stage!
This month's highlights include national tours of The Color Purple (starring American Idol winner Fantasia) and Spring Awakening, the Capital Fringe Festival, Carlos Murillo's dark play or stories for boys, and Sheila Callaghan's Dead City. Full Story DC Metro Theater Listings, Tickets, News, Reviews, and more
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