“This is an incredibly difficult production for any company to mount,” stated Ralphe, who also serves as artistic director for the 15-year-old Santa Paula Theater Center. “Not only does it require top notch comic actors able to create multiple characters, it also requires great skill from the costumer and set designer to complete the illusion.” Ralphe feels very confident at the artistic team he has assembled for this major undertaking. “We’ve put together some of the finest talents in Ventura County for a show that, I think, will leave audiences gasping for air from laughing so hard.”Tickets for “The Mystery of Irma Vep” are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $8 for children 12 and under. Senior tickets are $10 on Senior Sunday, August 19 at 2:30 p.m. For reservations call the SPTC box office at 525-4645.
Vampires, werewolves, mummies roam the stage
August 10, 2001
Santa Paula News
Vampires, werewolves, mummies and more will roam the stage when Santa Paula Theater Center opens the Ventura County premiere of Charles Ludlam’s hysterical “The Mystery of Irma Vep” on Friday, August 17 at 8 p.m. Performances will run through October 7, with shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m.
Vampires, werewolves, mummies and more will roam the stage when Santa Paula Theater Center opens the Ventura County premiere of Charles Ludlam’s hysterical “The Mystery of Irma Vep” on Friday, August 17 at 8 p.m. Performances will run through October 7, with shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m.There’re odd doings afoot at Mandacrest Manor, with the full moon revealing hints of vampires, mummies, werewolves and murder. What are the strange secrets that housekeeper Jane and Lord Edgar allude to? Who’s been terrorizing the villagers? How did Irma Vep really die, and who might be next?Winner of two Obie awards, “The Mystery of Irma Vep” is a screamingly funny tour-de-farce featuring two actors playing eight roles, 40 costume changes, and a billion laughs. If you tend to laugh until you cry, don’t bring a handkerchief - bring a towel!Under the skilled hands of award-winning director David Ralphe, this Victorian “chiller thriller” features veteran comedians James Leslie and Fred Helsel playing all the characters - men, women, and a variety of monsters! Costumes for this quick-change extravaganza were designed by Randon Pool, with the gothic set being created by award-winning scenic designer Jeff G. Rack. Dana Kilgore has designed the lights, and Jim Barker and John Nichols have constructed the sound effects and related score.
