From Genesius Theatre
DRACULA DESCENDS ON GENESIUS THEATRE IN ATMOSPHERIC STAGE ADAPTATION OF BRAM STOKER’S NOVEL
The Count is descending on Reading, Pennsylvania this Halloween! Genesius Theatre presents Balderson & Deane’s original stage adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic horror novel, DRACULA, October 23, 24, 25,29, 30, and 31.
This 1924 adaptation was commissioned by Bram Stoker’s widow, Florence, in response to the release of the 1922 film, Nosfaratu. The creators of the movie did not approach the estate for permission and refused to admit to stealing from Stoker’s plot, which meant Florence received no share of royalties despite its success. So, Florence commissioned playwrights John L. Balderson and Hamilton Deane to write a play that would immortalize her late husband’s creation on stage.
While remaining exceedingly true to the characters, scares, and overall arch of the plot, the play the two wrote is set in the 1920s and reflects the time during which it was written – including in the choice to frame the narrative as a parlor drama taking place almost entirely inside Dr. Seward’s home and asylum. Genesius Theatre Artistic Director, James Haggerty, says the playwrights’ changes never sacrifice any horror or suspense from the source material, and the story is actually enhanced by the cultural climate of the time.
“Where most might think you lose some of the classic, gothic horror by moving Dracula out of Victorian times, what you gain is this incredible undercurrent of the Spiritualism revival of the 1920s, when the world had been electrified with this heightened belief in the supernatural,” Haggerty shares. “Balderston and Deane truly created not just a gripping adaptation of the novel, but a real statement of how society at the time handled paranormal superstition – and how they treated those they chose to keep locked away from the public. It adds a human level of horror that is a chilling enhancement to the Count’s supernatural terrors.”
DRACULA is the first mainstage production at Genesius under Haggerty’s artistic direction. He says he “couldn’t be happier” with the cast and crew that came together to kick off this next chapter in the decades-old theatre’s history.
“Genesius is an intimate playhouse in the heart of Reading that doesn’t shy away from telling stories that need to be told. We want to become a place where people come to think, escape, challenge their views of the world, and where artists and creatives in the Greater Reading area can come together, collaborate, and create. Art is the heartbeat of community, and I want us to be a hub for both. This tight-knit, magnanimous cast of veteran actors is also a reflection of the community in which we live, and our thoughtful, dedicated, and seasoned crew is the perfect group to share this story with our neighbors.”
[CONTINUED]
DRACULA is directed by Bill Eschbach, with set design by Griffin Anderson and Allen Moyer, lights by Ty Tansy, and set building by Adam Kissinger and Griffin Yena. The octet cast consists of: Jon Browning as Count Dracula, Corey Clark as Jonathan Harker, Daphnee McMaster as Lucy Seward, Rick Applegate as Abraham Van Helsing, Gabriel Moreno as Dr. Seward, Brandon Reimer as R.M. Renfield, Dani Pflum as Miss Wells, and Jemarc Axinto as Butterworth. Together, they make a hearty group of seasoned professionals and beloved local artists united by their passion for the thrills, chills, and visual treats of theatre – of which, this production provides plenty.
With sumptuous, period-accurate costuming, a set that looms like an ever-present crypt, and all of the blood, fangs, and glowing red eyes you could want in a monster story like this, DRACULA is as thrilling for lovers of history, art, literature, and theatre as it is for fans of classic movie monsters.
That rich storytelling and attention to detail is to be expected of Haggerty, who, with his background in both visual and performance artistry, brings a sculptor’s eye and performer’s heart to his artistic direction at Genesius.
“Just like painting or sculpting, we’re constantly creating images on the stage,” Haggerty muses. “In our small playhouse, we can’t hide – the audience is right in the action and the details become all the more important at that distance. I want our audiences to experience every rich texture, layer, and color in each production – not just in our set design, costuming, or lighting, but in the nuance of each performance on that stage: every line delivered and every note played.”
DRACULA performs October 23, 24, 25,29, 30, and 31. With the exception of a 3:00 matinee performance on Sunday, 10/25, all other performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The show runs approximately two hours, including one intermission.
Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the theatre, though patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the shuttle program at The DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. Simply mention you’ll be headed to Genesius when you make your dinner or bar reservation, and enjoy complimentary parking in their garage, a delicious meal, and a shuttle to and from the show.
For tickets and more information, or to make a donation in support of Genesius’ work, visit www.genesiusdifference.org
You Might Also Like
