Gothic masterpiece Benet actors sink their teeth into 'Dracula'
Benet Academy's production of “Dracula opens at 7 p.m. today and continues through Sunday at St. Daniel Hall, 2200 Maple Ave., Lisle.Director John Leffler talks about why he selected the play and some of the challenges his students will face in bringing it to life.
When choosing a play, a director must consider many things: budget, talent, sets, costumes, effects and numerous other variables.
I chose #8220;Dracula, in part, because 20 years ago it was my first play as a director at Benet Academy. Coupled with the fact that some of my students have requested that we stage #8220;Dracula as a result of the popularity of such shows as #8220;True Blood and the movie series #8220;Twilight, it was easy to acquiesce and produce another version of the classic Bram Stoker romantic-era drama from the late 19th century.
The problem with #8220;Dracula is that a hundred years ago it was much easier to truly scare an audience. A director can run into the danger of turning a serious drama into a melodramatic farce full of unplanned audience laughter if not careful. Even in rehearsal, it is often impossible for actors to refrain from laughing at some of the dialogue.
In the John Mattera version of #8220;Dracula, it is even more complicated because there are legitimate moments of humor the trick is to not allow the humor to distract from the serious nature of the story.
During rehearsal, the actors have the difficult task of learning to take the situations and the words seriously. If the actors do not believe, then the audience will be unable to #8220;suspend their willing disbelief. The actors are always walking the tightrope between drama and melodrama.
The scenery for our production (built by set director Ramon Marth and a crew of students) should go a long way in helping our audiences get in the proper mood for #8220;Dracula.
Consisting of a series of raised platforms in the shape of a crucifix, along with unusual columns and flowing materials draping from the catwalks, the set is a simple outline devoid of furniture and distracting Halloween-esque props. The simplicity of the set, along with the lighting effects, will create the proper atmosphere for our audience to believe.
Having directed #8220;Dracula 20 years ago, I am reminded of many wonderful memories and a few frustrations that I am reliving yet again. Thinking back, I recall my student assistant director, Miss Ami Schumacher, and the great piece of advice she gave me: #8220;Relax, Mr. Leffler, this is only a high school play.
I often think of that advice and try to repeat it to my students, particularly when we are having a difficult rehearsal. If we are having fun and not taking ourselves too seriously, our show will be a success.
If you go
<p>What: “Dracula</p>
<p>When: 7 p.m. today to Sunday, Oct. 14-17</p>
<p>Where: Benet Academy's St. Daniel Hall, 2200 Maple Ave., Lisle</p>
<p>Tickets: $5</p>