Pete McElligott's DRACULA to be Presented as Fundraiser for Broadway Cares

 

Forget the shadows and the dread; Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece is getting a “ridiculous” makeover for a worthy cause. 

This fast-paced theatrical reimagining blends the legendary vampire’s tale with the wit of a romantic comedy and the high-octane energy of The 39 Steps and Monty Python. The event serves as a vital fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the continued development of the play’s full production, slated for Fall 2026.

A Gothic Classic… With a Twist
In this version of the Transylvanian tale, eight actors take on a whirlwind of roles with lightning-fast switches, bringing the familiar events of the novel to life in a fresh, occasionally absurd way. Audiences can expect a night filled with:

Forbidden Love & Multiple Suitors: The rom-com tropes you love, with a supernatural bite.
High-Energy Theatricality: Featuring a thunder sheet, a heavy dose of sausages, and—against all historical odds—possibly a cowboy.
Emerging Artistry: Presented by a team of rising theater professionals and guest performers dedicated to new works.

Producers:
Michael James Duran
Nellie Svensson
Christian Camilo Diaz
Dennis Mullikin

Cast:
Adam Shaukat
Sarah Lyddan
Alexandra Maurice
Kate Abbruzzese
Herbert Benjamin
Dana Kreitz
Griffin Stanton-Ameisen
Scott Thomas

Giving Back: Theatre with a Heart
The evening is more than just a laugh; it is a mission-driven event. A portion of all ticket proceeds will go directly to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, one of the nation’s leading industry-based nonprofit organizations providing lifesaving services for people affected by HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses.

The remaining funds will support the developmental journey of McElligott’s script as the “Dracula Creative Team” prepares for a full-scale New York run in 2026.

Event Details
Title: Dracula (A Staged Reading)
Playwright: Pete McElligott
Beneficiary: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Format: One-night-only special event reading
Venue: 7:00 p.m. at Open Jar Studios, 1601 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York City

“Enter freely and of your own free will,” but don’t wait—this unique intersection of horror, heart, and humor is expected to be a highlight of the season for independent theater supporters.

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