The Theater department will be staging Dracula this weekend, directed by Costume Designer and Associate Professor of Theater Chris Flaharty, as a part of the Theater Mainstage Series.
This production dramatizes Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 novel, which tells the story of Lucy, who has developed a mysterious illness of the blood. As the play progresses, Lucy’s condition worsens, causing her to lose blood every night. Desperate to save her, Dr. Seward and Lucy’s fiancé call on Van Helsing, an expert doctor. Van Helsing is able to identify the cause: a vampire. Their hunt for the vampire leads them to Count Dracula. They come up with a plan to trick the vampire, but Dracula has a nefarious plan of his own to claim Lucy for eternity. Will they stop Dracula before it’s too late, or will Dracula’s power continue?
The first authorized stage adaptation of Dracula was written by Hamilton Deane, an Irish actor and playwright, in 1924. This initial version premiered at the Grand Theatre in Derby, England. In 1927, American writer John L. Balderstone revised Deane’s script for U.S. audiences. This adaptation opened on Broadway the same year, garnering significant success and critical acclaim. The production won the 1977 Tony Award for best revival of a play, solidifying Dracula as a theatrical classic.
Chair of Theater Matthew Wright leads the cast as Dracula, serving as a guest artist. The cast is filled with talented Oberlin students, including College fourth-year Ana Morgan as Professor Van Helsing, College third-year Blithe Pluger as Wells, College fourth-year Ansel Mills as Jonathan Harker, College second-year Wesley Brubaker as Dr. Seward, College third-year James Purcell as R.M. Renfield, College third-year Isaac Slater as Butterworth, and College second-year Isabella Poschman as Lucy Seward.
Flaharty’s intentional and mesmerizing direction is paired with the beautiful, well-coordinated 19th-century costumes he designed, which enhance the mystic and eerie atmosphere of the Irene and Alan Wurtzel Theater. His mastery of direction and dedication to the show is evident in his director’s note.
“Dracula features the hallmarks of its genre: tight plot, tense atmosphere, mystery to be solved, villain to be vanquished, and in this unique story, souls to be saved,” the note reads. “But the best of it is the play’s company of intriguing characters. Rich, exciting roles for actors, the stereotypes of the mystery story are transfigured into believable, well-defined people with urgent, high-stakes desires.”
The set, designed by Laura Carlson-Tarantowski, scenic designer and lecturer in Theater, captures the essence of a late 19th-century parlor while infusing it with the mystery and eeriness Dracula is known for. The set features a hanging candle-lit chandelier, ceiling-height glass double doors, 19th-century parlor furniture, and a beautiful red and black floral wallpaper. The masterfully executed design creates a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the story.
The show’s runtime is approximately two hours including a 15-minute intermission, with each moment as mesmerizing as the last. The performances by the cast are exceptional, highlighting the effects of thoughtful directing and dedicated training. Wright’s performance as Dracula stands out, a testament to his seasoned acting skills and years of experience. However, every cast member brings a remarkable presence to the stage, a testament to the hard work and talent that have gone into this production.
This production of Dracula is a must-see. Lovers of mystery and drama alike will be captivated by the timeless story brought to life by a dedicated cast and crew. The creative heartbeat and commitment of the team shine through every moment, reminding audiences why Dracula remains as timeless and classic as it is and why it continues to resonate across generations.
Dracula runs Dec. 5, 6, and 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Irene and Alan Wurtzel Theater, with performances also at 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8. Tickets are available online and at the door (subject to availability), with discounts available to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and seniors.
