Island City Stage Presents “The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful”
Thu Jun 9, 8:00 PM - Sun Jul 10, 5:00 PM

Vampire attacks, werewolf sightings, and the resurrection of an Egyptian Princess all make an appearance in Island City Stage’s newest production of “The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful” by Charles Ludlam, running June 9 – July 10. This hilarious send-up of gothic romance and horror films, in which two actors and lightning-fast costume changes are the stars of the show, is part of the award-winning theater company’s 10th Anniversary 2021-22 South Florida Season.

Directed by Andy Rogow, this entertaining production is focused on an English estate haunted by the former mistress who has recently passed (or has she?). Add-in mummies, secret identities and a ton of madcap blunders all under the escapist guise of a gothic penny dreadful - grim short stories made popular in the mid-1800s and turned out en masse. The twist, here, is the high humor, 35 costume quick-changes and dozens of wigs that bring an eclectic cast of characters to life in this camp classic from Charles Ludlam (1943-1987), creator of New York’s Ridiculous Theatrical Company. “The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful” originally premiered in October 1984 at the Sheridan Square Playhouse in New York City where it played for two years, and it remains Ludlam’s most popular play.

“The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful” stars Bruce Linser and Larry Buzzeo.

Island City Stage is located at 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Show tickets are $35 each and are available at islandcitystage.org/the-mystery-of-irma-vep.

For more information and tickets, please visit islandcitystage.org, call (954) 928-9800 or email md@islandcitystage.org. Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at facebook.com/IslandCityStageFL and on Instagram at @islandcitystage1.