DRACULA by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith and Associates
CINCINNATI (Jan. 10, 2024) – A bold and theatrical re-telling of DRACULA will sweep Cincinnati audiences into the dark and mysterious world of pop culture’s most iconic vampire beginning Feb. 3. Presented by the Leading Ladies, the world premiere runs through March 4. Opening night is Feb. 8.
In DRACULA, the classic vampire tale pulses with humor, humanity and blood-curdling thrills. Every character harbors secrets of their own, and each dramatic turn of events threatens their exposure – leaving the audience in suspense until the show’s final moments.
Writer-actor Vanessa Severo in collaboration with Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz adapted the classic 1897 novel into a thrilling dramatic production for live theatre. They previously collaborated on Frida…A Self Portrait, which charmed Playhouse audiences last season and continues to captivate on stages around the country.
“We started with Bram Stoker, but we are making a play for this audience now, something that spoke to us as artists, and like every Dracula you’ve ever seen on film, TV, or theater, this takes some twists in the spirit of the source material but that will speak to today,” Schultz, who also co-directs the production with Severo, said of the new adaptation.
Theatrical magic, stylized movement and surprise special effects crafted by a team of artists including an illusion designer transform the stage in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre into Count Dracula’s lair.
“It will feel like a place you maybe shouldn’t be, but you also don’t want to walk away from,” explained Severo. “Dangerous and alluring, and somewhat familiar…a design that will make you unsure of what you just saw and leave you asking how it was done on the drive home.”
DRACULA’s well-known ensemble of characters – including Lucy, Mina, Dr. Van Helsing and Renfield – are on hand for the story and viewed through a new lens and with a fresh perspective.
CAST
Van Helsing – Rin Allen
Mrs. Westerna – Andrea Cirie
Renfield – Harmon dot aut
Lucy – Mia Hutchinson-Shaw
Jonathan/James – Torsten Johnson
Mina – Mi Kang
Dracula – Adam Poss
Dr. Seward – Julian Remulla
Arthur – Donovan Woods
UNDERSTUDIES
Van Helsing/Mrs. Westerna – Liz Comstock
Mina/Lucy – Hannah Gregory
Arthur/Jonathan/James – Aaron Schilling
PRODUCTION
Playwright/Co-Director – Vanessa Severo
Playwright/Co-Director – Joanie Schultz
Set Designer – Yu Shibagaki
Costume Designer – Kathleen Geldard
Lighting Designer – Pablo Santiago
Sound Designer/Composer – Thomas Dixon
Magic/Illusion Designer – Nate Dendy
Casting Director – Stephanie Klapper, CSA
Stage Manager – Andrea L. Shell
Assistant Stage Manager – Brooke Redler
Assistant Stage Manager – Mary Kathryn Flynt
TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35.00. Prices vary and seating location and performance day. Preview performances take place Feb 3, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night is Feb 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.
EVENTS
Preview Performances:
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.
Sat., Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Tue., Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Night:
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights with a lively post-show cast party.
Thu., Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Art Talks:
(Formerly Meet the Artists) Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
Sun., Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.
Thu., Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Pre-performance Talks:
Come early and hear about this world premiere production from Joanie Schultz, co-director of Dracula and Playhouse Associate Artistic Director. The pre-performance talks are free and last approximately 20 minutes. No reservation or additional ticket is required.
Tue., Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Tue., Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Tue., Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Wine Pairing Dinner:
Join us before selected evening performances of Dracula for a special wine pairing dinner, including a short sneak peek at the production from Joanie Schultz, co-director of Dracula and Playhouse Associate Artistic Director.
Four-course dinners are $75 per person and start at 6 p.m. in the Kaplan Lobby. For a detailed menu and to reserve your dinner, visit cincyplay.com or call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888. Tickets to the performance are not included in the wine pairing dinner price and must be purchased separately. Reservations close eight days prior to each wine pairing dinner. Space is limited.
Fri., Feb. 9 at 6 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 14 at 6 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
Fri., March 1 at 6 p.m.
Audio-Described Performance
Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.
Sat., Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.
Signed ASL Performance
Each Rouse Theatre production offers one signed ASL performance during the show’s run.
Sun., Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.
ADVISORY
DRACULA is recommended for ages 13 and up. This theatrical re-telling features the most famous vampire of all time, so it’s no spoiler to say there are some sexual situations and violence – although mostly presented in an implied or stylized fashion – and, of course, blood is depicted on stage. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be DRACULA.
SPONSORS
Presented by Leading Ladies. Season Sponsor of New Work is Mark and Nancy Dawes. Artist sponsors are Frost Brown Todd and Towne Properties. Honorary Producers are Julie and Steven J. Shifman. Moe and Jack’s Place — The Rouse Theatre Season is presented by Schueler Group. Season Design Sponsor is Kerry Automotive.
The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.
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