“Good evening . . . I am Dracula. Count Dracula.”
Infamous words spoken by an infamous villain. The latest show presented by University Theater, and the first production showcasing this season’s theme of “Science and Drama,” “The Passion of Dracula” debuted for its second run on the UW stage this past Thursday. Originally appearing in the summer season, “The Passion of Dracula,” directed by D. Scott Glasser, is a treat for the eyes and a wonderful telling of an age-old story of a blood-sucking, Transylvanian vampire.
Set in England in the autumn of 1911, this story, based on the original Dracula, written by Bram Stoker, follows Sir Cedric Seward, a famous psychologist, played by Jeff Knupp, and the happenings inside his insane asylum. Dracula, played flawlessly by M.F.A. directing program member Harry Waters, Jr., is the new guy in town who wreaks havoc on the psychologist’s world by seducing and sucking the blood of the psychologist’s niece, Wilhelmina, played by Breahan Eve Pautsch.
But traveling photojournalist Jonathan Harker, charmingly played by Peter Allen Fisher, entrances Wilhelmina, and Dracula’s plan to make her his immortal wife goes astray.
Marcus Peterson plays Seward’s faithful (and frantic) butler, Jameson. Mark Hisler plays Mr. Renfield, (who looks mysteriously like Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), one of Seward’s patients who escapes the insane asylum on a regular basis, and who falls under Dracula’s spells. Seward’s trusted friend, and doctor to Wilhelmina, Professor Van Helsing, portrayed by Paul Boesing, uncovers the evil plans that Dracula has for his unknowing victims.
Humor makes this show great. The star of “The Passion of Dracula” is Lauren Dettloff, playing the sassy and seductive Dr. Helga Van Zandt. As she enters the stage, she appears to be a nerdy, diligent doctor. But as the show moves on, she shows her true colors — making out with her love, Lord Godalming, played well by Peter Bissen, and bantering in her own feisty way with Dracula himself.
Dettloff, playing the dual role of the doctor and the vampire, made great use of her talent in this show. Her eyebrows said it all — a little saucy “devil” in a production centered on a leading male vampire.
Physical aspects of this show were put together nicely. The production crew did a fine job recreating the living room of the psychologist and his sickly niece. A huge replica of Dracula’s profile loomed over the stage, and lighting techniques were put to great use, featuring shades of red when the vampires were on the prowl.
The production crew equipped the stage with a trap door for at least one of Dracula’s entrances. The rest were made through two beautiful veranda doors that blew open with smoke as he entered the stage. Thunderous and corny, the music boomed throughout the theater.
The entire show dazzled with its special effects, including gunshots, a portrait with glowing eyes and a bat “flying” through the air, seemingly swooping over the audiences’ heads.
“The Passion of Dracula,” without a doubt, is one of the best shows to see this season. It is packed with scary moments and great special effects, which leave the audience wanting more. Get your tickets today for this blood-sucking thriller. The Passion of Dracula closes Saturday night, running September 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Theater in Vilas Hall.
