Penobscot Theatre Company to Present THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, 10/16-11/2

In the spirit of Halloween and the tradition of great theatre, Penobscot Theatre Company is staging a ghost story of fantastic proportions, complete with vampires, werewolves, and mummies. Charles Ludlam's The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful takes audiences from the haunted estate of Lord Edgar, where his new bride competes with the portrait of his first wife, to the tombs of Egypt and back again. Tensions and passions run high as beasts wander the moors and servants roam the manor halls. Is the portrait enchanted? Who-or what-killed Lord Edgar's son? Will the servants succumb to the romantic candlelight, or is the candlelight just creepy?

Two actors play seven roles and make more than 40 quick costume changes in this theatrical extravaganza that sends-up horror movies, classic literature, Victorian melodrama, Hitchcock, and the conventions of theatre itself. "After years of pining for Ludlam and his work, I'm thrilled to finally get my hands on The Mystery of Irma Vep," said Director Matt Morrow. "Ludlam's masterpiece embodies everything I love most about the theatre: thrilling yet simple theatrical innovation, an enormous, rebellious heart, and a hilarious joyride through a riveting story." Morrow, who came to Bangor from New York City, was recently named executive artistic director of San Diego's Diversionary Theatre, one of the nation's longest running LGBT theater production companies.

Visiting artist Mark Chambers, last seen by Penobscot Theatre Company's audience in The Woman in Black (2013), will star along with Dominick Varney. The design team includes Lex Liang (set and costume), Shon Causer (lighting), Brandie Rita (sound), and Meredith Perry (properties).

The Mystery of Irma Vep is produced in partnership with Vance Gray Wealth Management with support from Darling's, the Rock & Art Shop, and Bugaboo Creek Restaurant of Bangor. The theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous support provided throughout the season by the following sponsors: Canyon Networks, The Charles Inn, Bangor Daily News, The Maine Edge, Blueberry Broadcasting, Downtown with Rich Kimball, ZONE Radio, and WLBZ Channel 2.

The production will run from October 16 through November 2. To purchase tickets or for more details, call the Box Office at (207) 942-3333 or go online at www.penobscottheatre.org.

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