Review: DRACULA is an Exceptionally Haunting Success at the Hilberry Theatre!

Eerily set in the streets of Victorian London, the fantastic cast of the Hilberry Theatre's Dracula company keeps the audience on edge through their exceptional story telling of Bram Stoker's well-known tale in this newly revised adaptation that is unlike any other. It is a version faithful to the original Gothic thriller filled with terror, intrigue, romance, and the struggle between Good and Evil, which leaves no doubt in the mind of the audience that they have witnessed an exceptional piece of Michigan theatre.

Playwright Charles Morey revised Dracula as well directed the show and his adaption of the Stoker novel is quite exceptional. What Morey brought to life on stage was not just a brief introduction to the novel, but the grit and heart of it. He truly has an understanding of Stoker's novel and he brought that vision to life in every aspect with this production. The unique way the plot unfolded through letters and journal entries narrated by the entire cast was very faithful to original novel and worked well on keeping the play in dark and twisted unknown path to the very end.

The entire of cast of Dracula works effortlessly together to make this a production worth experiencing, but there are some notable members worth a specific mention. Santino Craven plays the role of Dracula and is exactly what one would expect a true Dracula to be. Craven does not mock the role, which is something that can be easily done, he just embodies what this creature would be like after living thousands of years and stays true to him from beginning to end. James Kern plays the role of Renfield and is one of watch. He is absolutely fantastic in the production. Renfield is another role that can be easily taken to the extreme, but Kern made choices with his character that made the audience feel his craziness, yet at the same time have compassion for it and almost understand it. Michael Phillip Thomas played the role of Van Helsing and was domineering in all the right ways as he commanded the stage in his pursuit of Dracula. Thomas made the audience easily trust him since he was so believable in his quest. Antonia LaChé played the role of Lucy and was a breath of fresh air on stage. Her energy and vividness shined bright making her character easily to connect with and feel emotions with as she goes through her tumultuous journey with Dracula. The rest of the excellent cast is rounded out by Michael Manocchio (Harker), Kyle Mitchell Johnson (Seward), Ernest Bentley (Arthur), Mary Sansone (Mina), Tiffany Michelle Thompson (Mrs. Westerna/Peasant), Nick Stockwell (Capt. Swale/Reporter/Gentleman), Brandon A. Wright (Maxwell/Peasant/Reporter/Workman), Cody Robinson (Reporter/Peasant/Workman), Devri Chism (Peasant/Tart/Bride), Wesley Cady (Peasant/Bride), and Breayre Tender (Peasant/Bride).

If it is not enough to have director who is faithful to the original novel and a fantastic cast, the moment the audience enters the theatre they are transported to Victorian London as an eerie castle sits in front of them. The set that Stephanie Baugher has designed is one of the most beautiful and haunting sets this reviewer has come upon in quite a long time. There was a chill of terror given off before show even started just by looking at the ominous set and then throughout the show it added the perfect touches to the unique way the compelling plot was unfolding.

Bram Stoker's Dracula is story that is well-known to most, but the Hilberry Theatre performs a production that is unlike any other and true masterpiece of Michigan theatre. For anyone who loves the novel, the vampire genre, exceptional works of theatre, or just to be downright entertained, this is the play for you.

Dracula is currently running until November 6th at the Hilberry Theatre in Detroit. For more information or tickets, visit www.Hilberry.com.

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