Theatrical Review: Count Dracula.

COUNT DRACULA
Written by: Ted Tiller
Directed by: Michael J. Harron*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s* production of Ted Tiller‘s “Dracula.” The Pennsylvania Repertory Company has gained a well deserved reputation of presenting fine theatre especially through their “Plays in the Curriculum Series“ which presents plays students in local school systems are studying. This is a worthy endeavor gaining a great deal of support from those who care about enhancing the educational experience the theatrical arts can provide.

However, although The Pennsylvania Repertory Company* has presented numerous theatrical gems, this particular production of “Count Dracula” is not one of them. This umpteenth telling of the overly familiar story of the Vampire from Transylvania added nothing to our knowledge nor did it satisfy those of us who are accustomed to the more sophisticated retellings which range from Francis Ford Coppola’s Beauty and the Beast version or Wes Craven Pseudo Biblical rendition which claims Dracula isn’t Vladd the Impaler but Judas Iscariot. Although many may consider the story of Dracula a timeless story mixing horror, romance, and sexuality in a blend unique to the genre, this sentiment wasn’t readily evident in this play. It seems the play was merely written to capitalize on the franchise and cash in on its popularity.

In spite of the mundane manner of the script, the actors portraying the roles they presented did quite well with the work they were given. There were many instances when an actor or actress was quite noticeably transcending the play through a more in-depth exploration of their character. Unfortunately, what made this noticeable was the fact not every everyone decided to go this creative route and stayed within the confines of the written words. There are many times in the theatrical arts when actors and directors must adhere strictly to the playwright’s intent because to do would diminish the integrity of the work but there are times when following your creative instincts are not only appropriate, but necessary to produce work meaningful to everyone experiencing it. Knowing what path to follow and when to do so requires artistic maturity which is usually found in The Pennsylvania Repertory Company’s* production but, surprisingly, not in this one.

“Count Dracula” cast consisted of Katherine Neville who portrayed Sybil Steward, Al Rauch who portrayed Hennessey while serving in The Props Department and participated in the Set Construction, Wayne Dotter who portrayed Dr. Steward and participated in the Set Construction, David Schappert who portrayed Renfield while serving in the Special Effects Department and participated in the Set Construction, Mark Nelson who portrayed Wesley, Justin Rosario who portrayed Jonathan Harker, Kathi Spigelmeyer who portrayed Mina Murry, Professor Emeritus Rob Eilenberger Howell who portrayed Prof. Van Helsing, and Patrick Turner who portrayed Count Dracula.

The Production was Directed Michael Harron* who also designed the set while serving as a Sound Technician along with Glenn Kern and Marty Courtney* and Stage Managed by Brydie Jacques who also served as costumer, in The Props Department, and in The Special Effects Department. Original music for the production was composed by Tick Cummins and Manny Parrish. The Lighting Director was William Kelly*, Additional Set Construction and Stage Crews Members were Sydney Southard, Carl Montano, Edi Martinovie, and Molly Brunkard. The Box Office Staff consisted of Cheryl Yost* and Theresa Woehrel*.

This production of “Count Dracula” by Ted Tiller has concluded its one day run on Saturday August 11th. The next production of The Pennsylvania Repertory Company* will be their annual “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol” which will be presented at The Sherman Theater* in Stroudsburg, PA December 13th - 15th. Tickets can be reserved by calling 570-420-2808 or by exploring The Sherman Theatre’s* Website at www.shermantheatre.com.

Photographs from the production can be found at The Forwardian Arts Society Sherman for the Count Gallery on myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.