Continuing a fantastic 29th season, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre premieres its production of The Mystery of Irma Vep, on July 14 at the DeWitt Mainstage theatre.

In this show we join late 19th century lords and ladies, their servants, an exotic travel guide, and a handful of monsters, thieves, and general ne'er-do-wells in their search for treasure and mystery. This includes a visit to untouched Egyptian ruins where the dead can rise again, as well as to an extravagant estate where the residents seem to be having the same problem. As if this complexity was not enough, all of the roles in the show are played by two male actors in a quick-change format, just to keep things exciting.

The cast of this show is an exceptional duo of Equity Guest Artists who have definitely made their comedic mark on HSRT history. Our patrons will remember James Saba from his appearances in The Nerd and The Compleat Wks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), and will remember Dana Snyder from performance as Pancho in Man of La Mancha, and from his appearance in The Compleat Wks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged).

Returning to HSRT for his ninth consecutive season is Obie-award winning director Thomas Bullard. His past HSRT directing credits include 1776, Marvin's Room, 42nd Street, Much Ado About Nothing, The Glass Menagerie, To Kill a Mockingbird, Having Our Say, and last year's Man of La Mancha and Sylvia. He is the head of graduate directing at the Brooklyn College City University of New York, a founder of the Manhattan Theatre Club, and is also the recipient of the AUDELCO award. Scenic Design is done by Jennifer Collins, Lighting Design is by Paul Whitaker, and Costume Design is by Melissa McVay.

This extraordinary show opens on Friday, July 14, with performances on July 15, 19, 22, 26, 27, August 1, 3, 9, and 11. Given the limited run of this show, we encourage our patrons to acquire tickets quickly. While at the box office, be sure to reserve tickets for the other great HSRT productions this summer, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, an classic comedy with Tartuffe, a look into the human condition with Three Viewings, and some time with an old friend in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. You will also want to be sure and reserve your place at the cabaret-style GI Jive featuring songs from the WWII era, as well as our two children's productions, The Story of Ferdinand and The Enchanted Pig.

Tickets are available now. The ticket office is located in the DeWitt Center, on the Hope College Campus at the corner of 12th Street and Columbia Avenue. Prices range from $8-$22 for musicals, and $6-$17 for plays, with discount prices for children 12 and under. Season coupons, ranging from $37-$66, are also available. Ticket office hours are 10-5 Monday through Friday, 12-5 on Saturday, and one hour before all showtimes. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (616) 395 - 7890.