All manners of mystery visit Mandacrest Manor in Charles Ludlam’s madcap comedy The Mystery of Irma Vep, which appropriately opens at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival on Friday the thirteenth [of July]. Performed in the intimate Schubert Theatre, the show previews on July 11 and 12, and continues through August 5.

The production sponsors are Dr. and Mrs. Frank J. Szarko, and the co-sponsor is Keenan-Nagle Advertising, Inc.

Described as “the funniest two hours anywhere” by The New York Times, The Mystery of Irma Vep features a cast of characters drawn from Great Gothic Literature, including werewolves, ghosts, damsels in distress, and an Egyptian mummy.

Two gifted comic actors return to PSF to star as multiple characters in this mile-a-minute comedy. Christopher Patrick Mullen will appear as master of Mandacrest estate, Lord Edgar Hillcrest and the maid, Jane Twisden. Irma Vep marks Mr. Mullen’s 20th PSF production, where his work includes Touchstone in last season’s As You Like It, multiple roles in Around the World in 80 Days (2005), the tile role in Hamlet (2002), the title role in Charley’s Aunt (2001), and others. Regional and New York credits include Splittin’ the Raft, The Stinky Cheese Man, and The Crucible as well as appearances on Law & Order.

Playing Lady Enid Hillcrest and Nicodemus Underwood (among others) is Brad DePlanche who appeared in PSF’s 2005 production of Around the World in 80 Days. Recent credits include China: The Whole Enchilada, Merry Wives of Windsor at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre and Dr. Prentice in What the Butler Saw at the B Street Theatre, Sacramento.

Directing this comedic whirlwind is Jim Helsinger, returning for his tenth season at the Festival. Past credits include Sleuth, The Imaginary Invalid, Charley’s Aunt, and The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (abridged). Other directing credits include A Tuna Christmas at the Actors Theatre of Louisville and Good Evening at the Florida Studio Theatre. Mr. Helsinger’s PSF acting credits include Love’s Labour’s Lost (Don Armado), Twelfth Night (Malvolio), and The School for Wives (Arnolphe).

In addition to Charles Ludlam’s frighteningly funny plot, the show features rapid-fire set and costume changes, with set designs by Bob Phillips and costumes by Lisa L. Zinni. Mr. Phillips is returning to the Festival after designing more than a dozen PSF shows from 1995 through 2006 in addition to designing The Winter’s Tale and Winnie the Pooh earlier this season. Another PSF veteran, Lisa Zinni designed Amadeus earlier this season and also designed PSF productions of My Fair Lady, The Imaginary Invalid, and The Man of La Mancha. The production’s lighting is designed by Steve TenEyck with sound by Matt Given, both members of PSF’s artistic team for the past several years with designs in a variety of productions.

Performances of The Mystery of Irma Vep are Tuesdays at 7pm; Wednesdays at 2pm and 8pm (no 2pm Wednesday, July 18); Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm (no 2pm Saturday, July 14 and 21); Sundays at 2pm; Family nights: July 15 and 22 at 7:30pm.

Single ticket prices range from $32 to $45. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and groups. Season tickets are still available and offer patrons the greatest discounts and flexibility. Tickets can be ordered by calling 610-282 WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

The 2007 Festival continues with Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus (through July 8), Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew (July 18-August 5) on the Festival Stage, and Kristin Sergel’s adaptation of A.A. Milne’s childhood classic, Winnie the Pooh (through August 4) in the Schubert Theatre. Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale ran June 13-July 1 in a sold out run.

The free outdoor Green Show completes the season's offerings and is performed one hour prior to each evening performance.

Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth are the 2007 Season Sponsors. Associate Season Sponsors are the Harry C. Trexler Trust, The Morning Call and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University is the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth and a professional, not-for-profit Theatre Company. An independent 501 c 3 organization, PSF receives support from DeSales University and relies on contributions from individuals, government agencies, corporations and foundations. PSF is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America.