John P. Keller to Star in Orlando Shakespeare Theater's DRACULA: THE JOURNAL OF JONATHAN HARKER, Begin. 10/9

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF sends chills down Central Florida audiences' spines with Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker. Adapted from Bram Stoker's novel by Orlando Shakes Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and directed by Michael Carleton, Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker begins October 9 and runs through November 10, 2013 at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. Tickets, priced at $17-$40, are on sale now at (407) 447-1700 or http://orlandoshakes.org.

Jonathan Harker has no idea what's in store when he is sent to deliver deeds to the eerie Castle Dracula. Upon arrival, he is captured by the dark and mysterious Count, and discovers horrors behind the castle walls. Jonathan must risk his life to destroy the Count before he becomes more powerful than ever, but will he live to tell the tale of this undead creature of the night? Experience the original Prince of Darkness like never before in a one-man tour-de-force based on Bram Stoker's original text of journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings. Dracula's spellbinding originality, inventive theatricality, and unexpected scares are guaranteed to make audiences' blood run cold.

"It's the perfect show to do around Halloween -- thrills, chills, and great literature all in one shot!" said Jim Helsinger. "Dracula was the first show I did as Artistic Director here in 1995 and I am delighted to bring it back for our 25th Anniversary season."

Helsinger's thrilling play received its world premiere at Orlando Shakes during Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival's 7th season. Dracula was produced again in 1996 and returned to Orlando Shakes for a third production in 2003. Since then it has received several other productions across the country including Cape May Stage, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and On Stage Woodward. Kansas City's Coterie Theatre is scheduled to present Dracula this October.

Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker features actor John P. Keller, seen as Edward in last season's Sense and Sensibility and Roderigo in Othello. John reprises the role of Jonathan Harker after appearing in Alabama Shakespeare Festival's production of Dracula adapted by WilLiam McNulty and directed by Geoffrey Sherman.The Orlando Shakes creative team includes Scenic Designer Bob Phillips, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.