Review: DRACULA at Centenary Stage Company is an Outstanding Production of a Thrilling Classic

"Bad dreams come to those who sleep unwisely"

by Count Dracula in Dracula

The timing is perfect. In this Halloween season of chills and thrills, Centenary Stage Company is presenting an exceptional production of Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic horror story, Dracula, adapted and directed by Charles Morey. This classic tale has fascinated readers, movie buffs and theatergoers for decades. Audiences will like that the Centenary Stage Company's rendition is faithful to Stoker's original plot structure. And with the finest production elements along with top acting talent, the performance is enthralling. Get your tickets and plan a visit to the Hackettstown. Dracula will be performed in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center through October 28.

Count Dracula moves from Transylvania to London and reaps havoc as he spreads his undead curse and finds new blood. After a beloved member of the community, Lucy Westenra becomes a victim of Dracula, her closest friends band together to hunt down the "King of the Vampires." They include Lucy's fiancé, Arthur Holmwood, Dr. John Seward, Jonathan Harker and Mina Murray Harker. Leading the group is Professor Abraham Van Helsing who believes that with faith and diligence, the search party can put an end to Dracula and his devastating torment. It seems that Dracula is unstoppable. Or is he?

In addition to the action packed, frightening scenes, Dracula is also told with a series of letters, notes and diaries that lend perspective to the tale. The play's cast performs their roles impeccably bringing all of the suspense, terror, and excitement to the stage. The troupe features Centenary Stage Company's Artistic Director, Carl Wallnau as Abraham Van Helsing; Marc LeVasseur as Dracula; Christopher J. Young as Jonathan Harker; Emaline Williams as Mina Murray Harker; Gary Littman as R.M. Reinfield; and Nicholas Wilder as Dr. John Seward. The large cast includes a group of emerging professional talents that include Peter Kendall as Arthur Holmwood and Haley Barna as Lucy Westenra. The other members of the cast that deftly assume multiple roles are Nick Bettens, David H. Littleton, Joe Anthony, Ally Borgstrom, Brianna Morris, Kathryn Pedersen, and Julia Stibich.

Memorable scenes include Jonathan Harker meeting Dracula for the first time in Transylvania; Dr. Seward's conversations with the madman, Reinfeld; Lucy's horrific encounter with Dracula; Abraham Van Helsing hypnotizing Mina Harker; and so many others that will keep audience members on the edge of their seats.

The Creative Team has done a great job of bringing Dracula to the Hackettstown stage with set design by Tim Gobeliewski with ToniAnne DiFilippo; lighting design by Ed Matthews; sound & projection design by Chet Miller; costume design and make-up by Ashleigh Poteat. The Stage Manager is Danielle Constance; Dialect Coach is Julie Foh; Technical Director is Jeff Chase; and the Fight Choreographer is Stephen Davis.

Don't miss your chance to experience Centenary Stage Company's stunning production of Dracula. Gather friends and family who enjoy great theatre and a good scare!

Dracula runs for 2.5 hours with one intermission. The show will be on stage through 10/28. Performances are Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 PM, Wednesdays and Sundays at 2 PM and Thursdays @ 7:30 PM. Every Thursday night is "family night" with two-for-one tickets available at the door beginning at 6 PM on the night of performance. Student RUSH Tickets are available on Friday nights, admitting all students, from any school for only $5.00 thirty minutes prior to curtain. Ticket prices range from $25 for matinees to $29.50 for Saturday evening performances. Tickets for Dracula can be purchased online at http://www.centenarystageco.org/ or through the CSC Box Office at 908 979 0900.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Centenary Stage Company

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