Review: The Stake is Raised High in Provincetown Theater's DRACULA FOR DUMMYS

Did you ever wonder what would happen if the traditional Dracula story was made into something so perfectly absurd that it actually turns itself funny? If what is meant to be a frightening tale of the undead becomes a wacky, Barbie doll- infested, cross-dressing adventure that brings the quest to defeat the rather attractive Count Dracula to an entirely new level?

Whereas the typically eerie feel of the Dracula tale will cause quite a few goose-bumps, Dracula for Dummys at the Provincetown Theater will bring on a major tingle of excitement because of how freakin' fun it is to be a part of this unique experience. Following the original storyline yet with liberties taken left and right by actors who seem to have a little too much fun pursuing the Count, this show is a bundle of fun that is random, hilarious and simply a joy to be a part of.

Premiering at the Provincetown Theater after a four year attempt to bring this original adaptation to a Cape Cod stage, Director Tristan DiVincenzo presents Dracula for Dummys as a unique theatrical experience which brings a lighthearted humor within the midst of the familiar dark plot that is Bram Stoker's Dracula. Yet, this show isn't made up of cheap shots, attempting to find a joke wherever one can possibly be, or simply a jab at making something so iconic into something more entertaining. The inherent workability of this show is so awesome that it simply does wonders to bring a new take on Stoker's story that usually provides a more slow-paced thrill, evoking emotion whenever possible through song, laughter, and the simplicity of a random dance party that makes audiences appreciate DiVincenzo's effort with this that much more.

From Jonathan Harker beginning the show in the fashion of a true punk rock concert, featuring actor Kevin Quill handsomely donned in a leather jacket and shades, to the moment he enters Castle Dracula and is molested by a bunch of aroused Barbie dolls, to Dracula arousing from his slumber on his comfy couch and Mina Murray looking a little less feminine but still looks great in a dress, Dracula for Dummys is pretty wonderful; I sincerely regret that I can't see this one twice.

Feeding off of the traditional plot (ha..), which all starts when the young lawyer Jonathan Harker visits Castle Dracula to attend to a few real estate matters, the real show begins before the plot is even revealed; it seems to follow in the wake of DiVincenzo's image of what he wanted this show to be. As the actors (who also play actors) walk onto the stage and perform a variety of different movements to ready themselves for the night of storytelling ahead (not knowing that their theater is to be terrorized by the infamous Count Dracula), Quill in true punk-rock fashion revs the audience up on guitar and vocals before putting on his bowler hat to become the modest young lawyer, ready to tackle the role of Harker who has quite the business to attend to.

Once all actors are in their first set of costumes, the fun really begins.

Sean Potter, who enters as Dracula as though he is headed towards a concert himself, not only gets to sing a few of his own songs with much appeal, but also brings a more youthful approach to a character who is meant to be older and more mysterious. Joined by Van Helsing, R.M. Renfield, Dr. Seward, a couple of fluttering maids and the wonderfully made up duo of Mina and Lucy, this cast is like a bunch of children with the vitality and desire to have as much fun as possible on that stage; essentially, they are being actors who have quite the talent of expressing themselves.

From dance parties to a multitude of references galore, there is such a unique mood set for this show that combines the feel of a haunted house with the comfort that humor brings to a frightening situation. The audience is treated to a few surprises before even entering the theater, and in the true spirit of Halloween, creates the perfect, eerie feel to get the adrenaline pumping in anticipation of what is to come. But beyond that, there is something so otherworldly about this production that, because it is also funny, brings it back down to our level to make it something tangibly hilarious but also just really special to behold.

Dracula for Dummys possesses this element that makes the audience not only anxious to make its way through the maze of not knowing what the actors are going to do next, but also bask in the joy of watching Dracula or Harker or the entire cast break out into a song that, when watching such talented individuals perform, almost makes you feel safe - like you have to trust these actors and their abilities in order to experience the eclectic nature of this show properly. It is a roller coaster of craziness that really gets to the heart of a good production.

For example, Quill returns from a scene to sit at the piano to play a beautiful number pertaining to Dracula's pursuit of himself and those around him; it's a truly touching, time-stands-still moment in the middle of whatever the heck is about to ensue. He is an equally talented actor as he is a musician, portraying all he can do while also playing the rather reserved Harker. Beau Jackett is at one moment Dr. Seward, bemused by the crazed Renfield's insect eating habit, and the next a woman on a train, warning Harker of the dangers to come should he visit Castle Dracula. Van Helsing commences a random dance party when there is clearly something of the supernatural happening here, there's sexiness galore and just an incredibly wacky bunch of people who all deserve equal credit for putting their best foot forward with this production.

The entire cast deserves so much praise for keeping the blood flowing, the momentum at a constant and just making people shake their heads sometimes, wondering what is happening; I might have done that a few times but then had a good chuckle at the beautiful chaos on stage.

Jo Brisbane as Abraham Van Helsing, Scott Cunningham as Mina Murray Harker, Kevin J. Doherty as Captain Swales, Paul E. Halley as R.M. Renfield, Beau Jackett as Dr. Seward, Sean Potter as Count Dracula, Kevin Quill as Jonathan Harker and Sallie Tighe as Lucy Westerna. They are joined by the Harmonics, the gypsy band consisting of Maestro Rich Kay, Ellen Adamson on cello and nyckelharpa, Art Brisbane on bass/acoustic guitar and Alabaster Punchbowl. The artistic team including DiVincenzo (who played multiple roles to make his production come to life), Phoebe Otis as Costumer, Susan Nicholson as Lighting Designer, Erica Giokas as Sound Engineer, John Qualia on wig design and Jo Brisbane on props must be given credit as well.

If you want to see something that you've never seen before and want to appreciate a good theatrical work, please see Dracula for Dummys at the Provincetown Theater, which opened on October 8th and will run thru Halloween night. Located at 238 Bradford Street, tickets are $25 ($20 for students and seniors) for general admission, and may be purchased by visiting provincetowntheater.org or by calling the box office at 508-487-7487. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays @ 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m..

It seems redundant to say, but you're definitely going to enjoy this show!

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