Wilkie Collins' century-old novel "Armadale" provides the inspiration for The Milwaukee Rep's world premiere production of the same name.

Written by Jeffrey Hatcher, "Armadale" is a Victorian tale of murder, lies, tormented pasts and treacherous futures.

According to The Rep, "A deathbed bequest leads to the most gripping of intrigues in this tale of deception, inherited curses, romantic rivalries and murder. In the center of it all, is the mysterious and beautiful Lydia Gwilt, one of the most hardened and most fascinating female villains in literature."

Collins, a contemporary of Charles Dickens, wrote 25 novels, 50 short stories and 15 plays before his death in 1889.

Hatcher is known for his plays "Three Viewings," "A Picasso," "Scotland Road," "Neddy," "Tuesdays With Morrie," "Work Song," "Mercy of a Storm," "Compleat Female Stage Beauty" (and its film, "Stage Beauty"), among others, and the screenplay to "Casanova," directed by Lasse Hallstrom. He also penned the librettos to "Never Gonna Dance" and "Lucky Duck."

The cast of "Armadale," directed by Joseph Hanreddy in the Quadracci Powerhouse, includes resident Rep acting company members Gerard Neugent, James Pickering, Rose Pickering, Peter Silbert, Deborah Staples and Brian Vaughn. Guest actors include Marybeth Gorman, Michael Gotch, Steve Pickering and Emily Trask.

The production team includes scenic designer Michael Ganio, costumer designer Martha Hally, lighting designer Noele Stollmack, sound designer / composer Barry G. Funderburg, choreographer Ed Burgess, dialect coach Susan Sweeney, stage manager Briana J. Fahey and assistants Amanda Weener, Lesley Anne Stone and assistant director Tim Nicolai.

Tickets to "Armadale" cost $15 to $54. The play runs through May 25.