“The Mystery of Irma Vep”: 80% Sweet – UPDATED

SWEET
Only the late Charles Ludlum, founding genius of NYC’s Ridiculous Theatre Company, could have combined so many hilariously affectionate Gothic send-ups in a single play: There are shades of Ibsen’s Rosmersholm, Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, plus The Mummy, Falconcrest, The Werewolf, and many vampire tales. To make the madness madder, Ludlum designed the play as a quick-change tour de force, with two actors (Jim Hanna and Steven Shields) playing seven roles.
Neal Weaver – LA Weekly

SWEET
In this production, with stellar direction by Andrew Crusse and the dynamic cast, the play is hilarious and memorable. Ludlam’s script is as fresh as it was 25 years ago, and the pacing and tone of the production is delightfully crisp and engaging.
Hoyt Hilsman – Backstage

BITTER
Both actors were funny, although in some of the quick offstage dialogue between two characters played by one actor, the voices seemed to meld a bit. Also, although both fine actors, Mr. Shields wasn’t quite up to some of the physical comedy, such as the well written moment in which Lord Edgar almost trips over Underwood’s wooden leg several times in quick succession. The inevitable trip was clumsy and anticlimactic.
Geoff Hoff – LA Theatre Review

SWEET
“The Mystery of Irma Vep” perches high atop the overflowing trunk of Ridiculous Theatrical Company tomfoolery left behind by the late, great Charles Ludlam. When wryly handled, this 1984 travesty of Gothic romanticism and monster-movie tropes is a farcical tour de force.
David C. Nichols – LA Times

SWEET
Get ready to laugh at the Ark Theatre Company’s presentation of Charles Ludlam’s comic classic The Mystery of Irma Vep. This quirky play is brought to life through the direction of Andrew Crusse and the acting of Jim Hanna and Steven Shields.
Sharon Wood – Socal.com