"The Mystery of Irma Vep"

Posted: 3/29/04 at 2:28pm

Okay, so I've been contracted to play all of the Stephen DeRosa roles in a summer production of this show, and I was wondering if any of you guys have any insight into the characters, situations, etc.?? I've read the script over and over and over again and I've been coming up with some character choices for myself, but would love imput from all of you as well. Thanks!

Love,
Joshie

P.S. - Any pics. from different productions would also be helpful and appreciated!

L,
J

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/29/04 at 3:00pm

They're known as the Stephen DeRosa roles now? Good for him!

Posted: 3/29/04 at 3:19pm

Well, I would have said the Everett Quinton roles, but now that he's played every role in the show I figured that might be too confusing...
At any rate, I'm playing the roles originated by Mr. Quinton which were then played by Mr. DeRosa in the latest revival, and any advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Love,
Joshie

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/29/04 at 5:57pm

The Mystery of Irma Vep is partly camp of the story of "Rebecca". So if you get really stuck, watch Alfred Hitchcock's 1940 version. If you exaggerate Judith Anderson in that movie, you will have the Jane role.

The Lord Edgar role is a very stiff upper lip Brit who is a bumbler. Think of a stuffier version of Inspector Clouseau from "The Pink Panther"

[Jane2]

Posted: 3/29/04 at 7:33pm

Wow, good for you, that's some tough role. I was lucky enough to see Everett do it at the Ridiculous Theatrical Co. Break a leg!

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/31/04 at 12:26pm

Actually Its closer to Stephen Laurie in idiocy( Think the Blackadder , Jeeves series) then add a bit of over bearing Cnl. Blimp Drink Slowly Haw haw!

Posted: 3/31/04 at 1:03pm

So I rented "Rebecca" and watched it twice the other night (wow, what a loooong movie!) looking for character clues. I must say that I love the way "Danny" always seems to clasp her hands in front of her and suck in her cheeks. Anyhow, I digress... (what's new?)
I would actually like an opinion on an accent choice for Jane. Should she be cockney, proper, or Irish? In other words, are we talking Mrs. Lovette, Mrs. Potts or Kate McGowan??

THANKS!

Love,
Joshie

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/31/04 at 5:49pm

I would suggest Jane's accent being different from Lord Edgar. If Lord Edgar is proper English, I would choose Jane to be cockney. If Lord Edgar is played as stuffy, I would make Jane very loose (maybe a bit of a drinker who is sometimes a bit tipsy).

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/31/04 at 7:48pm

Lancaster. Watch an episode of Coronation Street. "Theers nawt aboot the house Madam."