Sinclair Theatre will be presenting the legendary story of Dracula this Halloween season.
Based off of the 1897 novel under the same title, the play’s vampire theatrics have enticed audiences for decades. Originally written by Bram Stoker, Dracula defined the vampire tale in its modern form. The novel tells the story of its main character, Count Dracula’s attempts to move from Transylvania to England in search of new blood and to spread the undead curse, as well as a battle between Dracula and a group led by Professor Armen Van Helsing.
This version of Dracula, written by Steven Dietz, attempts to emulate the fear and horror brought out by Bram Stoker’s novel. Director Kimberly Borst says “I’m excited for the audience to see a version of Dracula the way that Bram Stoker meant it to be read and understood.”
She also recommended that children do not attend the play, saying that the production contains a lot of gore, blood, and erotic scenes aimed to shock.
One of the reasons Steven Dietz’ version was chosen was for the technical elements that go along with performing the play. The sets are complex and the special effects are extremely sophisticated. Technical staff includes “blood and special effects” artist, Kaoime E. Malloy, as well as fight choreographer Hary Minyard and flying director William G.L. Courson who is a Sinclair alumnus. “I’m excited to see all of the technical elements come together,” says Borst. The team welcomes the challenge of putting together such a dramatic and well-crafted play.
The cast includes: Leo Santucci as Dracula, Maximillian Santucci as Van Helsing with Sydney Baker, Thomas Puckett, Jonathan Kelley, Tristan Rivera, Gabriella Neurer, Nick Baver, André Tomlinson, Chelsey Hall, and Erin McGee. Leo Santucci is a second year performance major and his twin brother Maximillian Santucci will be playing Van Helsing.
While the play is completely student acted, Sinclair has hired a professional staff from within the faculty as well as the Dayton area. Award-winning designers include: Chris Harmon (scenic), Kathleen Hotmer (costumes), Dan Brunk (lighting) and Sarah Gomes (props). Student designers include Brooke Watson (wigs and makeup) and Isaiah Parnell (sound).
The play has been in the works since May and will be a major production of Sinclair’s theatre. It is their first play of the year.
The play will be held in Blair Hall Theatre from October 21-29. Blair Hall is located in building 2 on Sinclair’s Downtown Dayton campus. Performances are Friday, October 21st and Saturday, October 22nd at 8pm, Sunday, October 23rd at 2pm, a Throwback Thursday performance at 7pm, as well as Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th at 8pm. Sunday and Thursday performances are American Sign Language interpreted. Admission is $18, with student/senior tickets at $15. All Throwback Thursday tickets will be priced at $10. Tickets are currently available online at www.sinclair.edu/tickets.
Matt Harlan
Reporter