WPAC show takes a bite out of ‘Dracula’

Just in time for spooky season, audiences are getting a chance to see a uniquely funny take on “Dracula,” the horror novel that has spawned countless adaptations.
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen will humorously terrorize the Wilson Performing Arts Center stage at 300 Commerce Dr. at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11-12, and Oct. 18-19, and Oct. 13 and 20 at 2:30 p.m.  
The show is directed by Kristi Hardwick, making a return to the WPAC stage. Hardwick shared some insight into what audiences can expect.
“It’s not the Dracula people are used to. This is a totally new take on the Dracula we’ve seen of old. It’s very much in the style of Mel Brooks. There’s a lot of gender bending and wordplay going on. You have no idea what to expect next with this version of Dracula for sure,” Hardwick said. “You’ll laugh at things you never thought would happen in Dracula. There are all kinds of pop culture references and we’re always trying to throw in more. We spend about half of our rehearsals cracking up over how funny this all is. It’s probably the best show I’ve ever worked on because of how hilarious it is.”
Hardwick said she was drawn to doing a show that would be suitable for the Halloween season, both fun and spooky.
“We were looking on Youtube and came across this show. It actually started as a sort of radio show. They performed it over Youtube as something for entertainment while everyone was on lockdown. After COVID-19 died down, it went off-Broadway, so this is actually a very new show. It was off-Broadway only about a year ago. I love the fact that most people haven’t seen it before and it’s kind of a brand-new take. We were totally ready to jump in with something new and we saw some of the original Tik Toks and we couldn’t stop laughing. We knew we had to do it,” commented Hardwick.
One of the added bits of comedy comes from the fact that, while in real life, the actors are familiar with “Dracula,” the show within the show actors have not, thus Dracula’s lore is being made up as the play goes along. The small cast adds to the hilarity as well.
“With only five people, they’re playing more than a dozen characters. They’re constantly changing their characters and sometimes doing so on-stage right in the middle of a scene. It keeps everyone on their feet constantly to see different personalities changing from one to another when it’s the same person doing a different character,” explained Hardwick. “People are jumping from character to character for the entire show. They all use different accents as well, which they have developed as we’ve been rehearsing. We’ve had to play with accents and voices and pitch and accents for each character. They’re making those transitions on the fly, and sometimes switching character every couple of lines.”
The titular Dracula is played by Sasha Smith, while Mina and Dracula’s adversary, a female version of Van Helsing, is played by Alex Neff. Hardwick said she was wowed by Smith.
“When she was on-stage with the first group auditioning, I knew she was Dracula, right off the bat. I was open to anyone of any gender playing any role in this show, and after Smith auditioned, I knew she was meant for this role,” advised Hardwick. “We’ve definitely got a different take on Van Helsing than say, Peter Cushing or Anthony Hopkins.”
Also in the cast is Tommy Hanna, whose main role is Jonathan Harker, and who also plays Lord Cavendish, Lord Worthington, Lord Havemercy, Bosun, Gravedigger, and Narrator 1.
Brittany Borchert plays Dr. Westfeldt, Renfield, Captain, Man-Eating Wolf, and Narrator 2.
Ciara Schierkolk is Lucy, Kitty, Driver, Man-Eating Wolf, and Narrator 3.
Finally, in addition to Mina and Van Helsing, Neff will portray Man-Eating Wolf, and Narrator 4.
Hardwick said one of the things she’s most enjoyed about being able to put on the show is the laughter and connection.
“The whole cast connected with each other really quickly. We have cast members from all over the place, and that includes the crew too. There are people from Red Oak, Glenwood, Shenandoah, Clarinda, and a few coming down from Omaha, Neb. The fact they’re making that drive over and over to be involved with this show, and the Wilson, is amazing. We have a really nice, tight-knit group of people and they’re all so amazing. Everyone has been having an excellent time with this show,” Hardwick stated. “Two of the cast I have worked with before, and the other three I have not. It’s bee pretty amazing to have new actors to work with. We also have members of the crew that are new as well. This is definitely the most amazing experience I’ve had working at the Wilson.”
Hardwick said the Wilson is always excited to get new people who want to come and experience the Wilson.
“Whether they want to act, learn back stage stuff, or working on a crew to move set pieces, we’re always open to teach people things. If anyone has ever wanted to audition or just help out, we’d love to have them down at the Wilson. They can call to the Wilson or send a message through the Wilson Facebook page, or just stop in. Anytime they see open auditions, they’re invited to try out as well.”
Tickets are $30 for adults, and $20 for students. Go to wilsonartcenter.org, or call 623-3183 to reserve tickets.
Hardwick added that the show is intended for teenagers to adults.

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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