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The Mystery of Irma Vep by Charles Ludlam

The newest offering by the Purple Rose Theatre Company is The Mystery of Irma Vep, by Charles Ludlam. Ludlam, born in 1942, took a leading role in a fringe theatrical troupe based in Greewich Village in the 1960's, eventually becoming the head of the Ridiculous Theatre Company. Always pushing the limits, he went on from underground theatre to achieve the highest praises in directing, acting, and writing.

Stylistically, Irma Vep can be described as Mel Brooks wrapped around such classic horror films as Nosferatu, The Wolf Man, Dracula, and The Three Stooges Meet the Mummy. Stir in a little Rocky Horror Picture Show and round it out with a dollop of William Shakespeare and a pinch of John Waters. As if that wasn't enough, director Anthony Caselli adds his own modern touches to keep things surprising, from Star Wars to Super Bowl. This is a fun, campy, family show that bursts the boundaries of the stage, with such good humor and gentle fun it must surely warm the air for miles around.

I'm sure there's also a plot in there someplace, but don't ask me to describe it. It just doesn't matter when you're laughing so hard your jaws hurt.

The play is set at Mandacrest, the Hillsdale Estate near Hampton Heath, and briefly at various places in Egypt. Vince Mountain's set design is absolutely amazing, full of tricks and traps, paintings that bleed, secret sliding panels, and ropes suspended from the ceiling. And it is sturdily constructed enough to take slamming doors, rapping creatures and leaning legless lycanthropic Lepards (John, that is). In fact, the entire technical crew of Irma Vep delivers a virtuoso performance. Sound, lighting and action cues abound, and all aspects of the performance are perfectly coordinated. Director Anthony Caselli has shown his amazing facility with a variety of tricks and techniques, demonstrating amazing strength and depth.

The most visible fun is delivered by the actors; John Siebert and John Lepard. These two play all of the eight characters in the play, each with their own distinctive voice and movements. In fact, they have distinguished the individual characters so well, I'll even admit that the first time John Siebert came out on stage as Lord Elgar Hillcrest, my first reaction was, "I thought there were only two actors in this play". I simply didn't realize at first that this was the very same actor who, seconds before, was playing Jane Twisden.

Each of these fine actors has finely honed their movements and voice inflections to become each of the characters they play. My current acting roles as Didi and The Coach in Lady Bug's production of Greater Tuna have taught me just how difficult this can be. John Lepard has clearly spent many hours watching classic horror movies- all of his movements, from the large dramatic gestures, to hand movements and the roll of his eyes, are executed with precision and beauty. John Siebert, less flamboyant in his actions, poses a perfect counterpoint to the over-the-top histrionics of the Lepard characters.

You have to see this play. You might want to watch it over and over again. If it's true that laughter keeps you young, you are sure to shed years every time you watch PRTC's production of Irma Vep. Ticket reservations can be made by calling the Purple Rose Theatre Company Box Office at 734-433-ROSE (7673). The PRTC Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

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