A Mystery of Irma Vepp – A Penny Dreadful

Lehigh Valley Press

“Too much fun….”

“Fascinating, self-contained, self-proclaimed, compact comedy of manners.”

“Under Helsinger’s ‘hellzapoppin’ direction, combined with Choreographer Stephen Casey, there’s so much going on, at such a rapid pace, that you’re laughing before your previous laugh subsides.”

“Mullen and DePlanche throw their talent into each portrayal with abandon.”

“Masterful….”

“DePlanche is a genius of the slow take, slow burn, sly turn of phrase and body.”

“Mullen is a genius of the whip-smart, razor’s edge, sharply-drawn tilt of head, angular body and drop-dead stare.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Vampires, detectives and lots of laughs.”

“The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival scores another summer hit.”

“Wickedly funny….”

“Superb backstage crew…half the joy in seeing it is marveling at the skill involved by the stagehands.”

“Eagerly enjoyed….success achieved.”

 Broad Street Review

“This Vep is polished and professional.”

“Actors Brad DePlanche and Christopher Patrick deliver sight gags, wizardly quick changes, and turn lowbrow laughs into high art.”

“A joke-a-second….Freewheeling amusement.”

“DePlanche and Mullen play eight characters with split-second precision.”

“Kudos to costume designer Lisa Zinni for supplying a treasure trove of threads.”

“Set designer Steve TenEyck renders portraited perfection.”

“Helsinger directs the two-hour romp at breakneck speed, landing the humor and guiding his actors brilliantly.”

“You can tell they’re enjoying every minute, and you can’t help relishing the energy they exude.”

The Morning Call

“A hilarious tour de force.”

“The physical comedy and frequent quick-changes of these two incredibly talented performers boggle the mind.”

“The cozy Schubert is perfect for pulling the audience right into action.”

“DePlanche totally owns the part….the ease with which he moves back and forth between the roles is a testament to his versatility.”

“Mullen exudes a totally non-self-conscious physicality that is hilarious…brilliant.”

“Lisa Zinni returns with sumptuous costumes.”

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