Concert Reading of "Dracula" at CSN To Benefit Family Promise of Las Vegas and CSN Performing Arts Center

A fifteen-piece live orchestra and more than twenty performers from the Las Vegas Strip will donate their time and talent to bring "Dracula - A New Musical" to the stage at the College of Southern Nevada's Nicholas J. Horn Theatre on Oct. 18 and 19 at 2 p.m. each day.

Carmen Yurich, formerly of "Spamalot," has taken up the creative task of directing the unique musical written by Michael Lazar and Richard Oberacker, which he describes as an "ear movie."

"Oberacker's Dracula is all about the music," says Yurich. "His score, comprised of 23 songs, is highly visual and fills the imagination with pictures and movement. The foundation of a concert reading is to suggest the text rather than literally show an entire staging of it. The audience's imagination will let their mind's eye take them on the journey.

"In lieu of a reader, who usually gives stage directions in a staged reading, we are using projected headings and visual images to help convey the story. The orchestra, instead of just a piano will accompany the actors' singing to help our audience experience as much of this visual ear movie as possible."

The role of Dracula is being played by Ian Jon Bourg of "Phantom-the Las Vegas Spectacular" fame. He is joined by fellow "Phantom" members Jason Forbach, Bruce Ewing, Benjamin Hale and Doug Carfrae." Other cast members are Rochelle Collins from "KA," Ron McClary from "Mamma Mia," AaRon De Jesus from "Spamalot" and Janien Valentine from "Donny & Marie Show."

The ensemble and dancers are all performers from "Jubilee," "Mamma Mia" and "Phantom."

The two shows, complete with silent auction and VIP reception, are being held as a benefit for the CSN Performing Arts Center and Family Promise of Las Vegas who have partnered to produce the show. Both non-profit organizations share the mission of a desire to build a stronger community and improve the quality of life for area residents.

Family Promise assists homeless families in the Las Vegas valley to achieve lasting independence by mobilizing the community to provide safe shelter, meals, and support services for them.

The Performing Arts Center, tasked with providing artistic, cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities for the College and the community, receives no state funding for presenting and will use its share of the proceeds to enhance productions by bringing in guest artists and more diverse programming.

VIP tickets for each show are $50 and will include preferred seating and a post-show reception with the performers. Second tier seating is $30. Call the CSN Box Office at 651-LIVE (5483) or visit http://www.FamilyPromiseLVTickets.com for reservations.

The CSN Performing Arts Center is located at 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. one mile east of I-15.