Arts & Entertainment

Dracula - Classic Thriller

Described by critics as ‘A play for people who like their coffee strong’ Dracula - the classic thriller of all time, for all ages - opens at the Mackenzie Theatre in Charlottetown on Wednesday, October 24th at 8:00 P.M.

This upcoming theatrical production of Dracula is a quick-paced procession of thrills and surprises, sure to delight and terrify not only the regular theatre audiences but also the brave ‘First

Time’ Theatre-Goers who seek an exciting and entertaining introduction to live theatre at its best.

‘Dracula. is truly a_ masterpiece’, says producer/director Don Wright. ‘It has it all - thrills, excitement, romance, terror, and even comedy. There’s lots of comedy in the mix - and let’s not forget the special effects. They create the wonderful aura Of mystery that’s so much a part of the supernatural power of the dracula character.

Based on Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name, originally published in England nearly a century ago, the story of Dracula has survived the test of time. Today the fictitious count from Transylvannia is

a household name - even among the very young. This is due in no small part to such popular programs as Sesame Street which has successfully introduced a somewhat playful, comic version of the king of vampires to ‘countless’ millions.

Dracula cast members in the Mackenzie Theatre production include Bob Aaron as professor Von Helsing - the scientist who vows to destroy the evil vampire once and for all; Sara Fraser as the

beautiful Lucy Seward - the object of dracuia’s love; Paul Broadbent as Renfield - the spider-eating maniac under dracula’s spell and Charles Duerden as Jonathan Harker - Lucy’s Stalwart fiance. Other members of the cast are Mark Robertson as Doctor Seward - the physician from the sanitorium; Mick Joyner as Butterworth - attendant at the Seward

residence; Margo Connors as the highly entertaining maid and Don Wright as the infamous Count Dracula.

Dracula opens at the Mackenzie Theatre on Wednesday, October 24th and runs until October 31st. Tickets are on sale now at the ticketworks

and can be reserved by calling 566-1267. A special Saturday Matinee offers a reduced rate for children twelve years and under.

Count Dracula (Don Wright) embraces Lucy (Sara Fraser) in a scene from the three act vampire play being presented at The MacKenzie Theatre from Oct 24-31. Photograph by Tim Woolyer.

The UPEI X-Press

October 25, 1990

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