In time for the Halloween season, Warren Arts presents Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” a play in two acts by Aric Cushing.
Slated to be a scream, this adaptation tells the timeless tale of the vampire’s thirst using Stoker’s original characters and story. The full-length show will feature a cast of local actors of all ages.
Directed by Dorian Loeffler and Sami Burchfield, they began collaborating on the script back in July going through each scene together at Loeffler’s kitchen table.
“We follow very closely to the original book,” said Burchfield. “We’ve included the ship scene when Dracula is traveling to London, which is often left out. The romance is included, but it is more action-based than anything.”
Additionally, the production will feature an original music score and plenty of special effects. With the help of lighting, props, and costumes, audience members will be transported back to the Victorian Era.
With a 45-member cast and crew, the two-and-a-half hour performance is filled with mounting tension and chills that terrify and delight. Marc Pyburn portrays the expert consultant, Abraham Van Helsing with a believable sense of urgency.
For Pyburn, the role has allowed him to broaden his imagination to become the character.
“Speaking in my German accent is fun throughout the duration of the play,” said Pyburn. “We kill vampires and have a big fight scene at the end so a lot of the cast dies. Instead of being one of those people who hear about the play afterward and wish you’d gone, come see it.”
“Dracula” will open to audiences this Thursday at the Warren Arts building at 605 Red Road. Show dates include one midnight show, as well as a Halloween evening show. Here’s a complete list of showtimes:
Thursday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 26, 12 a.m.
Saturday thru Sunday, Oct. 27-28, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m.
Thursday thru Friday, Nov. 2-3, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at warrenartstn.ticketleap.com. For more information or questions about upcoming shows or auditions, call 931-474-ARTS or email them at warrenartsfactory@gmail.com. To stay informed of auditions, announcements or volunteer opportunities, sign up to be on their mailing list via the Warren Arts Facebook page.
