Arts & Entertainment
'The Mystery of Irma Vep' Opens Tuesday in Sag Harbor
Bay Street Theatre's second Mainstage production of the 2013 season features two actors playing eight characters.
Creatures of the night feature prominently in Bay Street Theatre's next Mainstage series play, the comedy "The Mystery of Irma Vep," which begins its run Tuesday.
Written by Charles Ludlam and directed by Kenneth Elliott,"The Mystery of Irma Vep," features eight characters but only two actors, Tom Aulino and David Greenspan.
The play is a satire of several theatrical and film genres, according to Bay Street, including Victorian melodrama and farce, and Alfred Hitchcock's 1940 film Rebecca.
“'Irma Vep' is going to be a funny show," said Bay Street Theatre producer Gary Hygom. "We are incredible happy to have both Tom and David as a two man cast playing eight different characters with over 35 different costume changes.”
“Under Elliott’s direction, Vep will have audiences crying with laughter," Hygom added.
Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company first produced "The Mystery of Irma Vep" in Greenwich Village between 1984 and 1986, starring Ludlam himself alongside Everett Quinton. That initial run earned the cast and crew a Special Drama Desk Award and Ludlam and Quinton won the 1985 Obie Award for Ensemble Performance, according to Bay Street.
"In 1991, 'The Mystery of Irma Vep' was the most produced play in the United States, and in 2003, it became the longest-running play ever produced in Brazil," Bay Street stated.
During opening night Tuesday, a limited number of seats will be designated "pay what you can" — after 2 p.m., theatergoers can name their own price.
"The Mystery of Irma Vep" continues through July 28. For showtimes and tickets, call or visit the call box office, 631-725-9500, or go to baystreet.org.
