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YOUNGSTOWN PLAYHOUSE ‘Irma Vep’ is a campy treasure
By Eric McCrea
As the Youngstown Playhouse draws near to the end of its 90th season, it seems it would have become overrun with werewolves, vampires and mummies.
“The Mystery of Irma Vep” is a campy romp from the imagination of playwright Charles Ludlam, who blended a variety of genres to create something familiar that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Lord Edgar is an Egyptologist with a tumultuous past. His second wife, Lady Enid, is trying to fit in, despite everyone showing favoritism for the late Lady Irma. The maid, Jane, explains that Lord Edgar never recovered from the death of his wife and previously, their son.
While the groundskeeper Nicodemus hunts for the right wolf, Lady Enid is attacked by a vampire. Reeling from the stress, Lord Edgar sets off for Egypt, where he is shown a tomb. In the sarcophagus is a woman who sleeps, but will one day wake again.
After releasing her from her deathly prison, Lord Edgar returns home, eager to write about his adventure. The true villains are revealed and killed, leading up to a quick finish, where all the loose ends are tied in a bow.
“Irma” is written to be performed entirely by only two actors, which is where most of the comedy lies. There are myriad costume changes, which happen in mere seconds.
Director Matthew Mazuroski cast two of the finest gentlemen in the area to tackle this feat.
C.H. Kettering primarily plays Nicodemus the groundskeeper and Lady Enid. Timothy R. Thomas spends most of his time as either Lord Edgar or Jane. There are eight roles between the two actors, who sometimes get into adult situations. Both take an exaggerated and convoluted script and spin it into gold.
Kettering is a master of physical comedy. This becomes very apparent during his vampire-attack re-enactment. He steals the show as the Egyptian princess, a part he plays all too briefly. He’s as natural with a wooden leg as he is in a ball gown.
Thomas plays things a little more serious, which is what makes camp great. He handles things like any die-hard B-movie actor, attacking the ridiculous without any disdain for the character. His portrayal of Jane is crisp and biting, while his Lord Edgar is distant and moody.
The pair excel at differentiating their various parts, leaving no confusion as to whom they’re playing.
The show employs cheesy sound effects and music cues that round out the entire vibe of the play. The set, designed by Jim Lybarger, is detailed and full of surprises.
The costumes, done by Pat Petaccio and Amy Rigby, are almost like a third actor, playing a much bigger part than you’ll find in the average thespian fare. Those fast costume changes were aided backstage by Molly Galano, Melanie Sharp and Kim Voeks.
Some parts may be too mature for younger audience members.
“The Mystery of Irma Vep” runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. until next Sunday. For reservations, call 330-788-8739.