'Irma Vep' Stages At Bay Street - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 1359334

'Irma Vep' Stages At Bay Street

icon 1 Photo

authorDawn Watson on Jul 2, 2013

Fans of Charles Ludlam already know what a treasure “The Mystery of Irma Vep” is, but for those who aren’t familiar with the playwright’s work, here’s a piece of advice: buckle up and get ready to have a bumpy, wild, zany, silly, funny, good night!

Now staging at Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, the two-man/multi-character show—directed by Kenneth Elliott and staring Tom Aulino and five-time Obie Award-winner David Greenspan—is one quick-change/comedy/mystery-extravaganza. First produced by Mr. Ludlam’s Ridiculous Theatrical Company in New York, the Drama Desk- and Obie Award-winning play is a satire of several theatrical film and television genres, including Victorian melodrama (on the moors, no less), farce, moody suspense thrillers and over-the-top soap operas.

During a recent interview at Bay Street, the director and the actors—who are all experienced with the material and were “off book” by the second day of rehearsal—professed love for the play. In fact, they all agreed that it’s so expertly written that there are too many “favorite” parts to even pick one.

“It’s a hilarious comedy, and the moments of terror in the play really amuse me,” Mr. Elliot said. “There are many, many moments of high suspense. I love the entire play.

The director said that he’s a big fan of the “ridiculous theater genre,” though mastering the challenges tricks, costume quick-changes and other technical aspects of “Irma Vep” can prove to be daunting. At Bay Street, he’s fortunate to be working with true talent such as Mr. Aulino, Mr. Greenspan, set designer John Arnone and others, he reported.

“The quick-change, when done effectively is dazzling,” he said. “And the sets, which are truly a separate element and character ... John Arnone has risen to the challenge beautifully.”

Mr. Aulino, who calls “the complex play” a “great challenge, but great fun,” said that the fast pace and quick costume changes will delight the audience.

“You step onstage in a completely different character, you make the audience gasp,” he said. “It’s meaty, juicy and funny.”

For Mr. Greenspan, it’s the humor and pathos in “Irma Vep” that most interests him.

“I have such overall affection and respect for it, for its wit and intellect,” he said. “It’s impossible to choose just one part.”

“The Mystery of Irma Vep” stages at Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor through Sunday, July 28. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Tickets start at $57.50. For reservations, call 725-9500 or visit baystreet.org.

You May Also Like:

Come Hear The Great American Soul Book

The Suffolk presents The Great American Soul Book on Saturday, November 16, at 8 p.m., ... 7 Nov 2024 by Staff Writer

17th Annual Hamptons Doc Fest Opening Night Film Is ‘Merchant Ivory’

The 17th annual Hamptons Doc Fest, screening 32 films from December 5 to 11 at the Sag Harbor Cinema and Bay Street Theater, has announced that ticket sales opened on November 1 at hamptonsdocfest.com. This year, a photo of the legendary filmmaking team of producer Ismail Merchant and director James Ivory from the Opening Night Film “Merchant Ivory” has been selected for its program cover and posters. “Merchant Ivory,” which will be screened on Thursday, December 5, at 8 p.m. at Sag Harbor Cinema, followed by a cocktail reception, is a tribute to their over 40-year personal and professional partnership ... 5 Nov 2024 by Staff Writer

'Cocktails With a Cause' To Benefit South Fork Bakery

This Saturday, November 9, from 4 to 6 p.m., South Fork Bakery presents the third ... by Staff Writer

'Think Like a Filmmaker' Opens at Sag Harbor Cinema

A new gallery exhibit from acclaimed filmmaker Alan Berliner opens Friday, November 8, on Sag ... by Staff Writer

Insight Sunday With Ralph Gibson

Ralph Gibson, acclaimed photographer, joins The Church as November’s Insight Sunday speaker. Freshly returned from ... by Staff Writer

The HooDoo Loungers Live at LTV

LTV Studios and the East End Underground Live Concert Series will host The HooDoo Loungers ... by Staff Writer

Poetry Reading at The Church With Philip Schultz

“There is not a particle of life which does not bear poetry within it.” — ... by Staff Writer

Martin Scorsese Will Appear at The Sag Harbor Cinema Festival of Preservation

Since opening its doors as a nonprofit movie house in 2021, Sag Harbor Cinema and ... by Annette Hinkle

'Tactile Stories' Opens at Keyes Art

Amy Zerner will be exhibiting her work in “Tactile Stories” at Keyes Art Gallery in ... by Staff Writer

John Melillo Shares His Artistic Journey at Southampton Arts Center

John Melillo, Vietnam veteran and local artist, will be at the Southampton Arts Center on Saturday, November 9, at 2 p.m. to offer a presentation on his artistic journey and his progression of healing through art. Melillo, a contemporary realist painter, grew up on the East End. As a disabled Vietnam veteran he uses painting as a solace and healing mechanism from PTSD. “Art saved me,” said Melillo who paints two themes — the East End landscape and the “Lighter Side of Vietnam.” Through a compelling presentation of art and video, Melillo will take the audience through his personal history ... 1 Nov 2024 by Staff Writer