Stage Right of Texas brings Dracula to the Crighton Stage
It is almost time for Halloween and all things spooky and scary. What better way to have a little fun this season than with the timeless horror classic, Dracula? I have chosen to direct a script written by Steven Dietz based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Published in 1897, the novel, written in the style of journal entries, articles, and letters, follows Count Dracula of Transylvania as he travels to England wreaking havoc on some Stoker’s classic literary characters. It is an age-old tale of good vs. evil. The script is beautifully adapted from the novel and will be an absolute delight for me to direct and help these characters come to life!
The cast was carefully selected to embody each character perfectly. Count Dracula will be portrayed by Austin Atherton. Austin was last seen as one of the Gastons in Stage Right’s Beauty and the Beast and I am thrilled to have him in this role. Jaimen Youngblood tackles the role of Renfield. He is a delight and I can’t wait for audiences to see his work. In the roles of Mina and Lucy are Elysze Ramis and Hallie Teague. Elysze delighted audiences in Stage Right’s West Side Story as Anita, while Hallie has graced the Crighton stage in Stage Right’s Much Ado About Nothing, Clue, and Christmas Belles. The characters of Harker and Dr. Seward are tackled by Ian Montez (Stage Right’s Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Clue, Christmas Belles) and Robert Gyomber (Stage Right’s West Side Story). Both of these seasoned actors will be amazing to witness. The role of Abraham Van Helsing will be taken on by Timothy Eggert. Eggert was most notably seen recently in Stage Right’s Clue as Colonel Mustard. He will be a joy to watch in this show. Rounding out the cast are Raquel Oliveira, Rune Thorne, Matt Wehring and Ahmadreion Casel. These actors will be splendid in some surprising ways that will be revealed when you see the show!
Bringing a horror to the Crighton stage will be both thrilling and tricky. While I advise this show would be rated PG-13 (not for little ones), my goal and vision here are not to repulse or disgust audiences. The words are beautifully written, the story is timeless, and we aim to draw you in to the action, adventure, and heartbreak with an incredible set and an amazing cast and crew. It is a scary and disturbing story but also exciting and chilling to behold!
Stage Right’s Dracula will run October 18 – November 3. Call the Crighton Theatre box office at 936-441-7469 for tickets! Or visit www.crightontheatre.org or www.stage-right.org
