Improv Theater in Libertyville to perform ‘Dracula’
Improv Playhouse Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, will perform Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula as a staged radio drama using the original 1938 Orson Welles’ script.
The performance is set for Saturday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for seniors, students and military; $15 and $10, respectively, at the door. Those in costume (at the door only) will get $2 off.
Visit www.improvplayhouse.com or call (847) 968-4529.
While the The story has been adapted many times for stage and screen, David Stuart, Improv Playhouse executive producer and director of “Dracula,” said this adaptation is closest to the original novel.
The little-known hourlong radio drama adaptation aired July 11, 1938, mere months before Welles’ famous 1938 radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds.”
Many don’t realize Welles was only 23 when his Mercury Theater company was invited by Columbia Broadcasting to do a series of theatrical performances for radio.
“These were mostly adaptations of classic works of literature into hourlong radio plays,” Stuart said. “The first of these was the Mercury Theater on the Air’s performance of this piece. Very cool stuff.”
Improv Playhouse will also create a festive environment with treats and other fun surprises during the night of performances.
Actor Michael Scott Blackman will play Count Dracula. A Deerfield and Los Angeles resident, he has appeared in several features in his career, having been directed by such notables as Martin Scorsese, Danny DeVito, Jerry Bruckheimer and John Hughes.
The cast includes George Elliott from Hainesville, Rim Milunas of Libertyville, Amy Billings of Gurnee and David Weiser of Park Ridge. Lake Forest resident and teen ensemble member Ingrid Lustig will make her debut in the role of Mina.
“We stage the drama much like those recorded in front of a live audience. We’ll have some performed and recorded sound effects,” Stuart said.
“The story is presented in the form of diary readings and newspaper clippings, much as in the book. Much of the dialogue is straight from the original, Dracula’s in particular.”