(left) Alex Carmichal, Dracula, and Jared Mola, Renfield, rehearsing for the Dayton Playhouse production of Dracula
The Dayton Playhouse will present Dracula, October 12-21. This version of the well-known play was adapted by William McNulty, originally dramatized by John L. Balderston and Hamilton Deane from Bram Stoker’s novel.
The action of the play engulfs the audience as Professor Van Helsing and his brave comrades must hunt down and destroy the evil Count Dracula. However, the Count is exceedingly resourceful, employing superhuman strength and psychic powers to confound his antagonists. The action culminates in a shocking confrontation between the King of Vampires and those who would rid the world of him.
David Shough, director of this production, and Jennifer Lockwood, assistant director, have assembled a seasoned cast including: Alex Carmichal as Count Dracula, Jared Mola as Renfield, Sara Parsons as Lucy, and Saul Caplan as Van Helsing. Rounding out the cast are Margaret Foley, Matthew Glenn, David Hallowren, Carolyn Anne Hoogsteden, Matthew Lindsay, Heather Martin, Cari Meixner, Debra Strauss, David Thomas and Addison Paige Wheeler, Shough has incorporated many audio visual effects to heighten the drama. According to Shough, “This is an intense and faced-paced version of the Dracula legend. It will be a complete theatrical experience of the typoe seldom seen on this stage. Not for the faint of heart.”
Projections for the opening narrative of this production were designed by Miamisburg artist, Chris Newman. Some of the original pen and ink drawings will be raffled off in the lobby during the run of the play. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Dayton Playhouse Celebrate 25 capital campaign. Tickets for the raffle will be $2 each, or three for $5.
Performances of Dracula will be Friday through Sunday, October 12-21. All performances are at 8:00 p.m. except Sundays, which are at 2:00 p.m. (see full schedule here) Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.daytonplayhouse.org, or through the box office, 937-424-8477. The box office is staffed Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 2-5 p.m., however messages may be left at any time. The Dayton Playhouse is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414.
