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| Betsy Mugavero and Quinn Mattfeld photo courtesy of Southwest Shakespeare Company |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through November 9
"Charles Ludlam's play The Mystery of Irma Vep was a huge hit when it was first staged by Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company in New York in 1984 and went on to be one of the most produced plays in the United States. Ludlam's comedy is a spoof and mash-up of the "penny dreadful" serialized works of sensationalized literature from the U.K. in the 1800s and other gothic novels and films. It also requires two actors to play the eight characters of both sexes in the show. Southwest Shakespeare Company's production features the company's co-producing artistic directors, who appear to be having a blast while creating the humorous characters in this outrageous farce. However, as funny as it is to see two actors play so many parts, the plot gets lost by the third act, with the convoluted, comical situations overpowering the thrust of the piece. Also, the comedy hasn't aged all that well for a variety of reasons. ..Betsy Mugavero and Quinn Mattfeld...are both superb as the numerous characters they play. With a steady stream of fast-paced costume and wig changes as well as exceptional accent work, they create characters of both sexes who are distinct and original. They play off each other incredibly well and are very adept in adlibbing....While The Mystery of Irma Vep may not fare as well today as it did when it premiered 35 years ago, and there are definitely some shortcomings in the plot of the piece, when you have a talented cast like Southwest Shakespeare has, it still makes for two hours of silly fun." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
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