COUNT DRACULA Comes to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre 10/24-11/ 2

Maurer Productions OnStage is set to haunt your Halloween dreams. "Count Dracula" comes to Mercer County Community College's (MCCC) Kelsey Theatre Fridays, Oct. 24 and 31 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is conveniently located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Oct. 24.

Inspired by Bram Stoker's ground-breaking novel, "Count Dracula" is a fresh retelling of the epic tale of good versus evil and science versus superstition. Audiences will get caught up in the battle as honorable men like Johnathan Harker, Dr. Seward and Professor Van Helsing take on the Prince of Darkness himself - Count Dracula. Written by Ted Tiller in 1971, the play has been performed on Broadway, by regional theater companies throughout the country and on television.

According to director John Maurer, the production is a faithful retelling of the original story. "There are no sparkly vampires, no drenching piles of blood. The show offers some lighter moments to break the tension, but the story is rooted in Bram Stoker's original text."

The cast includes Joe Grosso, of Hamilton Square, as Count Dracula; Michael Lovett, of Ewing, as Jonathan Harker; Stephanie Moon, of Yardville, as Mina Murray; Sean McGrath, of Churchville, Pa., as Heinrich Van Helsing; Scott Fishman of Newtown, Pa., as Dr. Arthur Seward; Laurie Hardy, of Hamilton, as Sybil Seward; Paul Phalen, of West Windsor, as Renfield; Susan Galli, of Hopewell, as Miss Hennessey; and Jeffrey E. Milstein, of East Windsor, as Welsey.

The show is directed by John M. Maurer, and produced by John M. Maurer and Diana Gilman Maurer. Costumes are by Anthony Reamer and original underscore music is by Brandon Franks. M. Kitty Getlik is the lighting designer and Jeff Cantor constructed the set. Cast photos are John Maurer and Robert Gougher.

Tickets for "Count Dracula" are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $14 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey webpage or call the box office for a brochure.