'The Mystery of Irma Vep' is delightfully, audaciously strange

What a delightfully strange show “The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful” is.

The play, at Central Square Theater through June 21, is a campy comedy about the haunting of an English estate by its late mistress, Irma. And the details around her death seem mysterious.

A fire glows in a pristinely white living room at the show’s start.

The flames (which are actually a set of lights) are stoked by Jane, the housekeeper. Jane and Nicodemus, the groundskeeper of the Mandacrest estate, chat about Irma. Her widowed husband, Mr. Edgar has recently remarried, but he still shows his devotion to Irma. Jane and Nicodemus don’t think that Enid, the new wife, is up to snuff for the role as mistress of the manor.

Charles Ludlam, who founded the Ridiculous Theatrical Company in New York City, wrote the “The Mystery of Irma Vep.” Ludlam first performed the play with his partner and collaborator Everett Quinton, in 1984. It’s a parody of Gothic horror, and the wild narrative, pumped full of tropes, might feel like a departure from Central Square’s more serious fare. But it’s a refreshing turn.

Paul Melendy and Gabriel Graetz are the extremely talented actors who star as all eight characters — including Jane and Nicodemus — in the production. They morph from one character into another in what feels like a matter of seconds. They don new wigs, outfits and hats with the help of costume technician and magician Heidi Hermiller. The two gossip as Jane and Nicodemus, simulate a near-coupling as Mr. Edgar and Enid and search an Egyptian tomb (I know how it sounds, but it happens) as Alcazar and Mr. Edgar.

Costumes and comedy are king in this play that goes so fast that you might miss some things. But it’s OK, that’s part of the experience. There are werewolves (one of whom claimed the life of Irma and Edgar’s son), vampires, secrets and ghosts. Much happens in this show where the characters sometimes break the fourth wall, but David R. Gammons’ expert direction helps keep it all together. Gammons also lent his talents as the scenic designer.

The best part of the production is watching Graetz and Melendy when their technique and commitment to craft are on full display. Their work is augmented by the creative team, including lighting designer Jeff Adelberg and sound designer and composer Nate Tucker. Melendy is excellent as the scruffy, wild-haired Nicodemus,  clad in a long patchwork coat courtesy of costume designer Seth Bodie. Nicodemus is a loyal worker who harbors a big secret and an obvious crush on Jane (a very hilarious Graetz). Jane, too, is hiding something. And she’s a bit of a mean girl.

Of the many characters in Ludlam’s script, Enid, portrayed by Melendy, is this theatergoer’s favorite. Enid aches to be free of Irma’s presence in the home, desires more time with Mr. Edgar and to befriend Jane. Enid’s wigs are long, her clothes (at times) skimpy and her speech is drawn out for emphasis.

By the second act, the pace slows just a little and some things just don’t make sense — even Enid says so. But, is the play fun, hilarious and entertaining?

Yes, yes, and yes.

“The Mystery of Irma Vep- A Penny Dreadful” shows now through June 21 at Central Square Theater.