UA Theatre’s ‘Mystery of Irma Vep’ Will Scare You Silly

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Werewolves howl, portraits bleed and mummies come to life in Charles Ludlam’s “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” opening Tuesday, Feb. 12 at The University of Alabama’s newly renovated Allen Bales Theatre. But this campy tribute to the Gothic horror films of a bygone era is played for laughs rather than chills.

Set in a turn-of-the-century British mansion and an Egyptian tomb, “Irma Vep” features just two actors playing eight different characters. Zipping through their tale of murder, monsters and madmen requires an astounding 44 costume changes.

“It’s going to be like a production line backstage,” says director Marian Mantovani. “One costume’s going to be going off while the other’s going on. Same with wigs. Because there is no time. The original production notes mention nine-second costume changes. And some of ours will be less than that.”

“Irma Vep” runs Tuesday, Feb. 12, through Sunday, Feb. 17 at in the Allen Bales Theatre in Rowand-Johnson Hall on the UA campus. Performance times are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Following the Saturday matinee, audiences are invited to a special Talk Back session with the cast and crew.

Tickets are $6 for all performances, which includes a $1 service charge. They can be bought at the box office in Rowand-Johnson Hall between noon and 5 p.m. Call 205/348-3400 Monday through Friday or at www.crimsonartstickets.com.

The department of theatre and dance is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.