'Dracula: The Musical' just in time for Halloween
Award-winning theater companies Theatre Nebula and Music on Stage have teamed up to produce the Midwest premiere of Frank Wildhorn's “Dracula: the Musical” for a limited run through Nov. 6.
The two companies, both recent recipients of the Illinois Theatre Association's Excellence in Theatre award, previously worked together to produce last season's hit, “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
“Dracula” will be presented at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine.
“Dracula: the Musical” is based on the original Victorian novel by Bram Stoker, with a score by Frank Wildhorn, and lyrics and book by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. The story follows the Count de Dracula as he is about to purchase a home in England, far away from his remote estate in Transylvania. Upon seeing a picture of Mina, his lawyer's fiancee, the Count recognizes her as a past love and vows to have her once again. In the meantime, he must find victims to quench his thirst for life and to keep him youthful. Mina's best friend, Lucy, submits, which leads to the vampire expert Van Helsing being called in to pursue and kill Dracula.
Director Kevin Wiczer said it was important to make this story about a tortured soul rather than a bloodsucking monster with no remorse.
“The focus,” he said, “is about Dracula's quest to find the lost love that enchanted him so long ago.”
The veteran production team consists of Music Director Ann Stewart, Scenic Designer Frank Roberts, Lighting Designer Steve Nickerson, Costume Designer Patty Halajian and Choreographer Kara Williams.
Cast: Steve Lugovsky as Dracula, Colette Todd as Mina, Jenny Kuffel as Lucy, Tony Calzaretta as Van Helsing, Mark LeBeau Jr. as Jonathon, and Don J. Orlando as Renfield. Mark Stickney, Deric Anthony Gochenauer, and Brendan Foley play Lucy's suitors, while Kathy Blaheta, Hema Sathia and Becky Lugovsky comprise the Vampire Bride trio. Julianna Tomecki and Mackenzie Puckett share duties as the Little Girl.
If you go
Fridays-Sundays, now through Nov. 6 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine.
Ÿ Show times: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays.
Ÿ Tickets: $20 (62+ are $17; 12-under are $18). Add $2 at the door. Groups of 10 or more, $17 per ticket. Dinner/theater package with Vince's Italian Restaurant, add $17 to ticket price.
Ÿ Buy tickets: Cutting Hall Box Office, (847) 202-5222; draculathemusical.net.