If you are an avid reader of the tabloids, Connecticut's River Rep may have just the show to satisfy your need to snoop into the woes of the rich and famous as they conclude their presentation of The Heiress, closing Aug. 19.

Adapted from Henry James' "Washington Square" by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, The Heiress opened at the historic Ivoryton Playhouse Aug. 8. Jenn Thompson, who appeared in the recent Broadway revival cast, directs.

Set in 1850s New York, The Heiress is a story of a shy young woman searching for her true self. As a wealthy woman, it is hard to know if her suitors are after her or her money. The play has seen three revivals. The most recent, in 1995, won the Tony Award for Best Revival, and its director Gerald Gutierrez and leading lady Cherry Jones (Moon for the Misbegotten) also received Tony nods. Jean Tafler has the title role in the River Rep staging.

The 14th summer season at River Rep concludes with the farcical melodrama, The Mystery of Irma Vep. The show is a Victorian murder mystery, combined with contemporary satire and peppered with ghosts, goblins, and mummies. Written by Ridiculous Theatrical Company maestro Charles Ludlam, it runs Aug. 22-Sept. 3. For tickets to shows at the Ivoryton Playhouse on Main Street in Ivoryton, call (860) 767-8348. For group rates, call (860) 545-7870. The theatre also has children’s shows every Friday at 11 AM. For more information, visit their website at www.riverrep.com.

-- by Ernio Hernandez
and Daniel Fischer