Ludlam's acclaimed play is a howling tribute to gothic horror movies, involving mystery and intrigue, replete with vampires, werewolves and mummies. The play liberally borrows from such melodramatic film classics as "Wuthering Heights," "The Mummy's Curse" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Rebecca." In addition Ludlam's dialogue is peppered with quotes from notable literary sources, including Ibsen, Shakespeare, Poe, the Brontës, Omar Khayyam and Oscar Wilde. Featuring Paul Pecorino and Chris Dell'Armo, the two-hander requires both actors to portray a myriad of gender-bending roles. Tony Caselli directs the mercurially paced comedy produced by Madcap Productions.

The original production was named one of Time Magazine's Best Plays of 1984, earning Obie and Drama Desk Awards for Ludlam and his partner Everett Quinton, both of whom starred.

The Mystery of Irma Vep will play Urban Stages, 359 West 30th St (between 7th and 8th Avenues). Tickets are $18 and are available by calling (212) 868-4444 or by visiting www.smartix.com.