Everett Quinton starred with Charles Ludlam in the original, Obie- and Drama Desk-winning 1984 production of The Mystery of Irma Vep. Now the former artistic director of the Ridiculous Theatrical Company returns to his ridiculous roots to direct a 30th anniversary production of the camp classic, opening April 17 at the Lucille Lortel Theater. (Previews begin April 10.)
Arnie Burton and Robert Sella are the energetic actors who will essay the play's eight characters of both sexes and dozens of costume changes. Burton's Broadway credits include Amadeus, The 39 Steps and Peter and the Starcatcher. Sella has been seen there in My Fair Lady, Cabaret and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and on the West End in Edward Albee’s The Lady from Dubuque with Dame Maggie Smith.
As Irma Vep turns 30, Red Bull Theater is delighted to be marking its 10th anniversary season with a new production of the legendary "", following a well-received revival of Joe Orton's Loot. The Mystery of Irma Vep had a West End run in 1990 and back in the U.S. the following year was the country's most-produced play. An Off Broadway revival in the 1998-99 starred Quinton and Stephen DeRosa.
The "hilariously horrifying drama" full of werewolves, mummies and, of course, vampires has never gone out of style. Portland, Oregon's Third Rail Rep is staging it this winter, there's a production in Philadelphia and another at Swarthmore College, one in California's wine country, and on and on.
Receiving a "Legend of Off Broadway" award from the Off Broadway Alliance in 2011, Quinton said, "It's nice to be a legend, but I don't know what makes me that." How about 21 years with the Ridiculous, helping to create outrageously loved shows like The Mystery of Irma Vep, for a start?
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