Review: THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP at Gulfshore Playhouse is Hilariously Haunting!

Gulfshore Playhouse's production of THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP by Charles Ludlam finishes off their 2017-18 theatre season with a clever, quick, and absolutely hilarious show. It was a mystery, a comedy, a tragedy, and so much more, all in one fantastic Penny Dreadful production.

Jeffrey Binder and Scott Greer starred in this production, and each of them portrayed multiple characters, meaning they had many quick changes throughout the show. Not only was I thoroughly impressed with each of their quick changes, but I was also impressed with how they both made each of their characters incredibly distinct. The different characters they played all had very different personalities, and they did wonderfully at making every single one separate from the other-even when they would leave the stage as one character and return momentarily as another, from another entrance.

Jeffrey Binder has been a local favorite at Gulfshore Playhouse this season, and I must say, of the three shows he has starred in there this season, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP is definitely my favorite. Binder was very entertaining and absolutely hysterical throughout the entire show. From a werewolf, to Lady Enid, to an Egyptian mummy come to life...Binder showed an extensive range of emotion and skill as he switched back and forth between his various characters.

Scott Greer was a wonderful match to all of Jeffrey Binder's characters; from Lord Edgar, to Jane (and beyond), he was excellent at portraying the quick-witted, sometimes sarcastic roles that he changed between. I enjoyed how well the two actors interacted as every single one of their characters; despite the cast being so small, it was not lacking in humor or entertainment value at all. In fact, I think it being a two-man show truly made it the fabulous production that it was.

One of the best parts of THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP was the audience interaction. Both actors addressed the audience and made jokes about having an audience, and it made the show even funnier. I also enjoyed the jokes the actors made in regards to playing multiple characters; some were subtle, but brilliant. I very much appreciate all of the thought and detail that was put into this show.

Kristen Coury, the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, directed this final production of their season. I have to applaud her work, as well as the work of the entire cast and crew. A lot went into making THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP so very good, and they all did an amazing job at bringing this quirky, spooky story to life.

THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP at Gulfshore Playhouse is not a show you want to miss! I highly recommend seeing this production if you want to experience an afternoon or evening of excellent acting, laughter, and intrigue, all while learning what happened to Lady Irma.

THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP is playing at Gulfshore Playhouse through May 20, so get your tickets before they are gone! Evening shows begin at 8 p.m.; matinees begin at 3 p.m. Show subscriptions are available and include priority seating, exclusive events and discounted pricing. Tickets range from $39-64, with student tickets available for $20. All show tickets are $32 two hours before a performance. For purchase information, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or contact 866-811-4111.

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