BWW Reviews: Alley Theatre's DRACULA is Elegant and Refined

The Alley Theatre's DRACULA is delicious!

One of the most popular legends around is one about mysterious beings of the night that feast on blood, otherwise known as vampires. Vampire folklore has existed for millennia and still endures to this day. One of the most classic and popular tales comes from that of Bram Stroker's 1897 classic gothic horror novel, Dracula. This novel gave life to the most revered vampire known as Count Dracula, who is a centuries old undead Count that lives on human blood and through the sharing of blood can control other's actions as well as create others like him. Stroker's novel has spawned many adaptations and spin- offs featuring the Count in many forms of literary works, films and theatre.

There are many plays out there that focus on different aspects of the Dracula myth, but the Alley Theatre's production is based on the original 1927 stage adaptation by John L. Balderston and Hamilton Dean.

The Alley's DRACULA, THE ORIGINAL VAMPIRE PLAY tells the story of a tremendously worried father, Dr. Seward (Jeffrey Bean), who runs an English sanatorium and who has a daughter, Lucy Seward (Elizabeth Bunch) that seems to be suffering from an affliction of a mysterious nature. Dr. Seward has invited over a guest by the name of Dr. Van Helsing (James Black). Dr. Van Helsing believes Lucy to be the victim of a vampire. After a strange visit by a new mysterious neighbor named Count Dracula (Jay Sullivan), Dr. Van Helsing is convinced that the Count is the vampire responsible. As the Count's influence takes its toll on a weakening Lucy, Dr. Van Helsing insists that he must be destroyed if Lucy is to be saved.

Gregory Boyd directs does a wonderful job of directing this movable production. The actors give new life to a familiar story and make it their own. They each bring the right amount of intensity to contain the mysterious and suspenseful timing dynamic to fully lure the attention of the audience.

Jeffrey Bean is particularly good as the intensely worried father Dr. Steward. There's nothing passive about him and he solidifies the concern of his character.

James Black plays Dr. Van Helsing with zealous. His actions show determination and spirit despite the trepidation of those around him. When the going gets tough, he plows through towards the end goal of ridding the world of the creature known as Count Dracula.

Jay Sullivan embodies the vampire legends of old. Perpetuating a smooth and old world aristocratic manner, he could easily charm women and men alike even without his hypnotic powers, and Sullivan fantastically moves between charismatic and menacing in a blink of an eye.

Jeremy Webb plays a perfectly strange sanitorium resident and escape artist Renfield. His presence on stage is unnerving, yet most entertaining to watch as he provides a steady dose of lunacy that adds a bit of comic relief.

Elizabeth Bunch is the poor overwhelmed victim of the Count's influence as the comely Lucy. Bunch beautifully emits distress at her situation.

Chris Hutchinson plays Lucy's commendable fiancé Jonathan Harker. He shows the affection and devotion of Harker to Lucy, but he also makes Harker sturdy and strong-willed.

Melissa Pritchett (Miss Wells) and Todd Waite (Martin) round out the compelling cast and add to the mysterious vibe of the play while both brining a spot of comedic enjoyment with their characters.

The visual aspects of the production are certainly remarkable. Scenic coordinator Hugh Landwehr and costume coordinator Tricia Barsamian recreate Edward Gorey's 1977 revival set and costume designs that won him a nomination for Best Scenic Design and a Tony for Best Costume Design. The set is colorless and first look will cause an intake of breath. The audience is treated to the wallowing hues of greys, blacks, and white which help maintain the production's sinister and mysterious ambiance. The absence of color is also reminiscent of an old fashioned black and white horror film.

The blood, it's worth noting, isn't free flowing, a welcome move as vampire tales can often get lost in the gore. This enjoyable production gets its kicks from mixing the macabre with refinement along with a dash of English humor.

DRACULA continues in repertoire at the Alley Theatre until November 2nd at UH main campus. For tickets and more information please visit http://www.alleytheatre.org/alley/default.asp.

Photo credit: Mike McCormick.

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