Quick-fire humor shines in Penobscot’s ‘Irma Vep’

Here’s a warning for anyone with tickets to “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” playing through Oct. 14 at Penobscot Theatre in Bangor. Be prepared to laugh. And, after so many days of not laughing, you’ll appreciate this light and witty diversion.

Such a response to “Irma Vep” is not unprecedented, however. The show has had a high success rate and was an instant and long-running hit when Charles Ludlam presented it in 1984 at the Ridiculous Theatrical Company in New York. Ludlam, who died of AIDS in 1987, was a Renaissance artist. He founded the Ridiculous Theater, and then wrote, produced, designed and acted in his own shows. “Irma Vep” is undoubtedly his best-known play, not to mention role. Or roles, as the case may be. Ludlam and his partner, Everett Quinton, shared the eight or so roles – male, female, animal – in the production, which has become a classic among off-off-Broadway performances.

“Irma Vep” has also become a darling of regional theaters, not only because it features a small cast but because it has the potential to be side-splittingly hilarious.

Guest director Karen Lamb has capitalized smartly on the humor and quick-fire wit of this show. She never stumbles into all-out camp, but simply goes for the double entendres and swift parody of the script.

The story is part “Rebecca,” part “The Mummy” and part anything written by the Brontes. The action takes place at Mandacrest, a Victorian estate with a nearby moor, a resident werewolf, and torrential rains. Lord Edgar has recently returned to the estate with his new wife, Lady Enid. But there are ghosts stirring and danger lurking – especially when Lord Edgar takes the action to a tomb in Egypt.

For the record, there is also a wooden leg, a portrait that drips blood, silver bullets, a hidden jail cell, and a lot of Velcro. That last item is an invaluable facilitator for the quick changes made by Mark Cartier and Dan Dowling, who impressively leap in and out of wigs, hats, gowns and roles.

But jumping in and out of drag is not their only skill. Cartier, who most notably plays the chambermaid Jane and Lord Edgar, is perfectly scrupulous, as well as fluid and alert without ever being over-studied. Dan Dowling, who plays the stableman, Lady Enid, an Egyptian and a monster, is completely and amazingly the opposite – and with an equal amount of triumph. Much of Dowling’s humor is self-conscious, but it is done with such deft excess and friendliness that it works.

Dowling is the hulking presence to Cartier’s slightness, and the two are occasionally reminiscent of Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, or Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. And like masters of comedy, Dowling and Cartier show restraint in all the right places.

You will certainly develop new respect for the expertise and contribution of backstage and technical crews after seeing this show. Without them, and without the guidance of lighting by Jeff Greenberg, and the durable dexterity of costumes by Gariella D’Italia and Ginger Phelps, this show could never flow as easily as it does. The cooperation between the artists and support staff turns what must feel like chaos to them into an effortless night of entertainment for us.

“The Mystery of Irma Vep” will be performed through Oct. 14 at Penobscot Theatre, 183 Main St. in Bangor. For tickets, call 942-3333.