The award-winning Off-Broadway revival of Charles Ludlam's The Mystery of Irma Vep, directed by and starring Everett Quinton will close on July 18, after playing 22 previews, and 335 performances at N.Y.'s Westside Theatre.

Quinton and co-star Stephen DeRosa (Love's Fire) will both remain with the show through July 4, when DeRosa leaves the production, allowing Mike Finesilver to finish the remainder of the run. Irma Vep began previews Sept. 11, 1998 and opened Oct. 1. This production garnered a 1999 Lortel Award for Best Revival.

Irma Vep was one of the biggest triumphs of the Ridiculous Theatrical Company, which Ludlam founded. After opening in October 1984, the camp classic went on to run for 331 performances.

Irma Vep, which concerns the unknown fate of the title character, once mistress of the Manor House but since the victim of an untimely and mysterious death. Ludlam, who died in 1987, starred in and directed the original production.

After losing its space at One Sheridan Square, The Ridiculous Theatre Company has roamed uncertainly from theatre to theatre for the last few years. Press rep Helene Davis said the troupe, though not defunct, is not currently producing. That would seem to be borne out by a press release for Irma Vep, which credits Quinton's tenure as artistic director of the company as ending in 1997. For information on The Mystery of Irma Vep, call (212) 239-6200.

-- By Sean McGrath