Jungle Theater to Present THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, 8/29-10/19

Like the vampire and Egyptian princess who appear in Charles Ludlam's high-camp classic, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP returns to life at the Jungle Theater (2951 Lyndale Ave. So., Minneapolis), August 29-October 19, 2014. One of the Jungle's "most-requested" favorites, award-winning director Joel Sass reprises the over-the-top farce with Bradley Greenwald and brings Stephen Cartmell into the fray.

The energetic escapade features Lady Enid and Lord Edgar, a long-suffering housemaid, a dubious farmhand, and enough vampires, mummies, ghosts and werewolves to create an irresistible evening of murder and mayhem. During the fast-paced show, Greenwald and Cartmell play all eight characters, continuously changing costumes, wigs, characters and genders, plunging in and out of disguises and doors with lightning-quick dexterity (aided by a nimble behind-the-scenes team).

Marking its 30th anniversary year, The Mystery of Irma Vep premiered in New York City in 1984. Playwright Charles Ludlam's (1943-1987) hilarious send-up of Victorian melodrama and gothic romance, won the 1985 Drama Desk and Obie Awards and was also crowned by the New York Times and Time magazine as one of the best plays of the year.

The Jungle staged the acclaimed production in 2010. Said Director Sass, "There have been many productions of Irma Vep over the years at many theaters, and I feel comfortable saying this Jungle version has earned its place on a short list of definitive productions. Our task is to revive our original hit and make it better!" He added, "The only obvious change is the cast: Stephen Cartmell is a brilliant actor and inspired comic who will bring his own hilarious twist to the characters."

Sass also designed the Irma Vep set. His creative team includes Greg Brosofske (composer), Barry Browning (lighting), Sean Healy (sound), Matthew Lefebvre (costumes) and John Novak (properties and stage management).

Performances of The Mystery of Irma Vep are Tuesdays ($25), Wednesdays ($33) and Thursdays ($38) at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. ($43); Sundays at 2 p.m. ($38); and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. ($33). Senior, student and group discounts are also available, and rush tickets are available every night of the week 30 minutes prior to the performance for $10 off the regular price. Tickets are available at (612) 822-7063 or online at www.jungletheater.com.