John McGivern to Star in MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP: A PENNY DREADFUL at Next Act Theatre, Beg. 5/3

This May, Next Act Theatre will revisit their 2008 runaway hit production of THE

MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP: A PENNY DREADFUL by Charles Ludlam. John McGivern will once again star in the production, but this time he will team up with another of Milwaukee's most popular actors and entertainers, Norman Moses.

Written for two actors who, between them, play eight characters of both sexes, IRMA VEP requires a large number of props, special effects, sound cues and quick costume changes. "The rapid-fire costume and character changes will leave you breathless," states Norman Moses. Director David Cecsarini invites McGivern fans and all theatre goers to come along on this ridiculous, Olde English romp with werewolves, mysteries and mayhem, including an impromptu side-trip to the tombs of Egypt.

THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP opens Friday, May 3. Tickets are $28 for Wednesday matinees and $38 for all other performances. Tickets may be purchased by calling 414-278-0765 or visiting online at www.nextact.org.

Next Act Producing Artistic Director David Cecsarini will direct the production. The cast features John McGivern as Lady Enid, Nicodemus, Balthazar and Pev Amri, Norman Moses as Lord Edgar, Jane and two mystery characters, and Matt Zembrowski as the Mad Gothic Organist.

The production team includes Scenic Designer Rick Rasmussen (GRACE, MICROCRISIS, SYLVIA), Lighting Designer Alan Piotrowicz (GRACE, VIGIL, A SLEEPING COUNTRY), Costume Designer Marsha Kuligowski (THE EXONERATED, A SLEEPING COUNTRY), Props Master Nikki Kulas (GRACE, THE CLOCKMAKER, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE) and Sound Designer David Cecsarini (GRACE, THE CLOCKMAKER, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE). Resident Production Stage Manager is Jessica Connelly.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP: Backstage Seating - Next Act is selling two special backstage seats for select performances for $50 each. Witness the costume and character changes firsthand with these limited seats.

The mission of Next Act Theatre is to engage the hearts and minds of our audience with compelling and intimate theatre productions intended to stimulate thought, foster the exchange of ideas and to promote the development of new perspectives and understanding. Next Act Theatre is celebrating 23 years of professional theatre.