Yesterday, I treated myself to a performance of Dracula by a local theater group. This may sound rather mundane; a trip to the theater is exquisite, but not necessarily newsworthy. Well, did I mention that this was an immersive production (my first!) with a revised locale of Virginia? This was no ordinary Dracula. Hang on tight, my lovelies. Here is my Wolfbane Productions Presents: Dracula review!
Let’s start with the obvious question: what is “immersive” theater? A traditional theater production will have the audience seated before a stage area, typically one that is raised. This causes a separation between the show and the patrons. You sit and watch the story unfold on the stage, as though you are watching from some invisible window. Everything is happening away from you, to be viewed from a distance. Immersive theater puts you into the action! The stage area was on the floor level, with set pieces creating raised levels. My seat was directly in the thick of the performance! Characters stood next to me, fight sequences took place right in front of me, and I felt like I was one of the players, not just a patron! It was truly exciting!
Now, about the actual play. Forget what you know, or think you know, about Dracula. Wolfbane Productions took the myth by the cape and turned it completely sideways. This was, without a doubt, one of the most creative retellings of the famous story that I have ever witnessed! Written by Ken Arpino & Dustin Williams, this version takes the legendary Count not from Transylvania to London, but from Transylvania to Virginia! Also, gone are the top hats and tails of the dapper London social scene; the Wolfbane Dracula is much more than just some aristocratic vampire. I refuse to post any spoilers, but suffice it to say this Count is one like you have never seen before!
The cast of this show absolutely blew me away. This was an extremely physical performance, and each actor seemed to navigate the action with a professional ease that we should all envy. It was obvious that each performer poured their soul into the character; I never felt like I was watching a play, but rather real people enduring real situations. A good show makes you believe in magic. Wolfbane Productions did that and then some. I felt connected to these characters. I became invested in their outcomes. The second half of the show affected me to actual tears. These were powerful performances. I don’t personally know any of the cast members, but I will list them for you here:
Dracula… JACK FELLOWS
Van Helsing… SABINA PETRA
RM Renfield… STEPHEN SHELTER
Jonathan Harker… SAMUEL CADIEUX
Mina Harker… SIMONÉ ELIZABETH BART
Lucy Westenra… ERIN MCMILLEN
Samuel Seward… ZACH FAIR
Quincey Morris… MATTHEW STEVENSON
Arthur Holmwood… JACK SCHONFELDER
Elsbeth… ASHLEY LENOX WEST
Ida… LIZZIE NIGRO
As I said, the entire cast did a brilliant job; however, as a lover of Dracula, I must give recognition to the actor behind the title role. Jack Fellows was tasked with giving an original presentation of a character that has been presented in nearly every conceivable way. How does one even begin to do this? Without spoiling anything, I can say that his delivery of the famous Count Dracula was breathtakingly original and drew me into the story unlike anything else. His choices of mannerisms, voice, and attitude were wholly original. I have seen far too many Dracula actors basically regurgitate Lugosi and Lee. They fall into a familiar pattern that often dulls an otherwise good performance. Jack Fellows found his own path and took us all along for the ride. He blended small touches from both book and film with his own dark design to create a version that will resonate with casual fans and academic aficionados alike. I now consider his performance to be among my absolute favorites!
From the incredible script, to the outstanding special effects, to the utterly spectacular performances, this was an intoxicating thrill ride from start to finish! If you are in the Lynchburg, Virginia area, or if you are willing to travel for a great show, then I can say that Wolfbane Productions Dracula is 100% Twisted Libra approved!
Get your tickets here: https://www.wolfbane.org/wolfbanes-dracula
If you can’t attend the show, consider donating to ensure this brilliant theater continues to provide us with exhilarating shows: https://www.wolfbane.org/
I could go on for days about this play, but it would just be repetitions of accolades. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed myself. This Dracula passed the test. If I get the opportunity, I hope to go back before it ends its run. I’d love to watch the magic unfold one more time. I can’t say enough about this show, this cast, or Wolfbane Productions. Consider me smitten.
Before I go, here is my obligatory self-promotion:
My books:
Twisted Libra at Barnes & Noble
Until next time…
Dancing Among the Remains 