DRACULA Opens 2/12 At YLT

The success of the Twilight series of books and films has increased interest in super natural beings, and particularly in vampires, but Eric Bradley Long, York Little Theatre's Artistic Director, has had a long-standing admiration for Bram Stoker's horror classic, Dracula. "It's a brilliant novel full of complex characters," explains Long. When YLT decided to produce an original stage adaptation of the book Long was thrilled to take on the project. "It was a challenge from other plays I have written because I wanted to stay so truthful to the book," he says. Long pulled as much original dialogue from the book as he could, kept the action, maintained the authors intents and wanted it to be a reasonable length and pace to keep it interesting for young audiences.

YLT is producing this original play as part of its rabbittransit children's series and while it may not be suitable for the youngest or more sensitive children, many will find this adaptation exciting." It's a plot driven production," explains Director Cat Howard. "There aren't a lot of special effects but there is the illusion of violence, and some harsh language." This is Howard's directorial debut and as an experienced actor, she finds it interesting being on the other side of the preverbal table. "It's been great fun watching my cast of young adults develop their characters," explains Howard. "I am unbelievably lucky to have such a talented cast."

YLT's Dracula cast includes Deaven Brown as Professor Van Helsing, Michael Crone as Dr. John Seward, Julie DiFebo as Mina Murray, Lyle Hieronymus as Jonathan Harker, Mary McCleary as Lucy, Phil Rooney as Arthur Holmwood, Dylan Stroman as Renfield and Josh Olewiler as the Vampire DraculA. Howard has found that even though they are young, they are a very professional group and she tries to also keep the rehearsals fun as well as productive.

The Dracula set is cinematic and flowing rather than static. Set designer Jeff Pettyjohn and YLT Technical Director Bob McCLeary have created the Castle Dracula complete with a tower room, window, grand staircase and giant portraits. There are 33 separate settings and 45 different scenes in the show.

The Dracula set will be the site of an American Red Cross Blood Drive, February 15 and 16, from 2 - 8 p.m. Donors not only benefit a good cause, but can have a great time having their blood drawn in Dracula's Castle. In addition, some donors may be lucky enough to be greeted by Dracula cast members in character. Please call Stacy at 854-3894 or 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule your life-saving donation.

Performances are on February 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7 p.m.; and on February 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 3 p.m. Dracula is part of YLT's 2009-2010 rabbittransit children's series and the Columbia Gas Season.. Tickets are $8. More information and tickets are available by calling the box office at 717-854-5715, 11 - 6, Monday through Friday, or visiting www.ylt.org.

York Little Theatre is a nonprofit community theatre which values and nurtures the irreplaceable role of the arts and is dedicated to engaging and enriching its entire, diverse community in the dramatic arts through a broad range of professionally directed, entertaining, stimulating, and sometimes provocative performances.
York Little Theatre is located at 27 South Belmont Street, York PA, just south of Market Street at the intersection of I83. York Little Theatre is a proud member of The Cultural Alliance of York.