‘Dracula’ debuts at The Barn
It’s a spooky but quiet night at the Seward’s mansion, located on a hill across the valley from the castle of Count Dracula.
The family has recently moved and is about to make the acquaintance of the dashingly debonair Dracula, when they invite him to a dinner party and “drinks” at their home, the insane asylum.
Just in time for Halloween, “Dracula, The Musical?” debuted last night at The Barn Theater. This superb musical treat will have a three-weekend run.
“Monster Mash” will be performed by the Barn Theater Junior Company directed by Mary Shaw as a pre-show prior to the primary play.
The audience will enjoy a superb musical treat for the opening play of the historic theater’s 68th consecutive season. Written by Rick Abbott and directed by Katie Blevins, “Dracula” will both amuse and entertain the audience.
The play is produced by Denise Everhart. Ginger Piersol and Charles Hickinbotham are the musical directors, Sarah Lowder is the stage manager, while the backstage crew consists of Corey Barnes and Dezha Guillermo.
Dracula features a superb yet unfussy set, with affects that will have you in stitches.
Both funny and haunting music set the dramatic tone of the play, while dancing and intrigue leads to delightful scenes of madcap mayhem.
Dracula pursues various women in the household, while the older members of the family are oblivious until Dr. Van Helsing arrives and makes them aware of lurking danger.
Aaron Nucum debuts as Dracula, with Piersol playing young Mina Seward. Steve Ross plays her father, Dr. Sam Seward, while Vickie Ratta plays her mother, Sophie Seward. Wen- dy Plaistead plays a vivacious maid, Nelly Norton, with Lori Shelton as Bubu Padoop, a friend of the family.
Royal H. Garrison plays the wily and devastatingly comic Boris Renfield opposite the staid and heroic Connor Nielsen as Dr. Van Helsing.
Dracula is a smashingly entertaining play that combines all the elements of humor, music and dance with Victorian costumes and subtle lighting, plus terrific special effects and set design and décor.
It is a great way to start off Halloween and fall celebrations for the whole family.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 9-10, Oct. 16-17, and Oct. 23-24 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2:15 p.m. on Oct. 11, Oct. 18 and Oct. 25.
A Sunday matinee brunch will be served on Oct. 18 at 12:30 p.m. Brunch costs $14, and reservations must to be made by Wednesday, Oct. 14.