It’s theater under the stars at Eastern Mennonite University with the fast-paced comedy, “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” being presented 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 29, 31 and Sept. 1 on the Thomas Plaza of the EMU Campus Center.
The two-man show, directed by EMU senior Pam Mandigo, features senior Matthew Pearson and junior Ethan Zook, with each playing multiple roles and featuring lightening-quick costume changes, wildly funny characterizations and sudden plot twists. With elements of the supernatural and gender-blending costumes, “The Mystery of Irma Vep” is sure to captivate audiences.
Matt Pearson and Ethan Zook star in Irma VepThe two-act play, by Charles Ludlam, satirizes several theatrical and film genres, including “Victorian Melodrama” and the Alfred Hitchcock film, “Rebecca.”
The plot centers around Mandacrest Estate, the home of Lord Edgar and Lady Enid. Lady Enid is Lord Edgar’s second wife, though he has yet to recover entirely from the passing of his first wife, Irma. The house staff, a maid named Jane Twisden, and a swineherd named Nicodemus Underwood have their own opinions of Lady Enid.
The eight characters on stage include Lady Enid, Lord Edgar Hillcrest, Jane Twisden and Nicodemus Underwood with minor characters Alcazar and the Mummy Pev Amri.
Eight characters are played on stage, including: Lady Enid, Lord Edgar Hillcrest, Jane Twisden, and Nicodemus Underwood and minor characters Alcazar and the mummy, Pev Amri.
A “rain date” performance of the play, if necessary, will be given 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2.
Tickets are $4 in advance from the EMU box office, 540-432-4582 or www.emu.edu/boxoffice and $5 at the door.