Julgle Theatre Presents Comedy MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP June 18-August 1

Associate Artistic Director Joel Sass brings THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP to the Jungle stage (2951 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis), June 18-August 1. The over-the-top farce features actors Bradley Greenwald (star of the Jungle's award-winning I Am My Own Wife) and Steven Epp (former Theatre de la Jeune Lune company member) playing all eight characters. Tickets are $10-35 and available at 612-822-7063 or online at www.jungletheater.com.

 

"To celebrate our 20th Anniversary Season, the Jungle Theater is committed to producing the 20th century's most influential plays," says Sass. "That includes outrageous side-splitting comedies like The Mystery of Irma Vep."

In playwright Charles Ludlam's (1943-1987) hilarious send-up of Victorian melodrama and gothic romance, a sympathetic werewolf, a vampire and an Egyptian princess (brought to life when her tomb is opened) create an irresistible evening of murder and mayhem. The energetic escapade, winner of 1985 Drama Desk and Obie Awards, was also crowned by the New York Times and Time magazine as one of the best plays of the year.

"The pairing of Bradley and Steven was persuasive enough for me to revisit this enduring comic masterpiece," says Sass. "I'm really looking forward to seeing audiences react to their inspired silliness, agility and great comedic timing." During the show, Greenwald and Epp incessantly change 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 of five).

The Jungle's creative team includes Greg Brosofske (composer), Barry Browning (lighting), Sean Healy (sound), Matthew Lefebvre (costumes), John Novak (properties and stage management) and Joel Sass (set). Andrew Cutler, Janice Geis, Peter Lincoln Rusk, Eli Schattler and Jeffrey Shockley comprise the behind-the-scenes crew.

A sympathetic werewolf, a vampire and an Egyptian princess (brought back to life when her tomb is opened) make for an outrageous evening of murder and mayhem in this loving, high-camp tribute to Victorian melodrama. Featuring acclaimed actors Bradley Greenwald and Steven Epp. Joel Sass (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) directs this comic masterpiece.

 

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