Gothic Romance & Monster Movies

The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful features two actors – (left to right) Sean Grennan and Sean Fortunato – playing eight characters, including the female parts, with more than 40 costume changes.

The frighteningly funny farce The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful by Charles Ludlam opened July 30 at Peninsula Players Theatre. The Drama Desk- and Obie Award-winning comedy is a true mix of Victorian gothic romance and Universal monster movies.

This madcap comedy takes audiences on a hilarious journey from the austere English manor of “Mandacrest” to the pyramids of Egypt. A blend of Rebecca, Wuthering Heights and The Mummy’s Curse, it comes complete with a damsel in distress, the lord of the manor, an ominous housekeeper, a lovelorn werewolf and a long-dead Egyptian princess. All are played by two actors, including the female parts.

In conjunction with The Mystery of Irma Vep, the Players will host speaker Dr. Gary Jones on Aug. 8 at 6:30 pm. Tickets to the performance are available; admission to the pre-show seminar is free.

A post-show discussion with the playwright, cast and creative team of The Mystery of Irma Vep is slated for Aug. 6. Audience members are invited to stay after the performance to participate. For more information or to reserve tickets call 920.868.3287 or visit peninsulaplayers.com.