Those who love to celebrate October with all things spooky are in for a pre-Halloween treat.
The Newman University theater department will bring “Dracula” to life on stage Oct. 20-23.
“Dracula” the play was written by the Irish actor and playwright Hamilton Deane in 1924, then revised by the American writer John L. Balderston in 1927.
In the revised story, Abraham Van Helsing investigates the unexplained illness of a young woman, Lucy Seward, with the help of her father and fiancé. He discovers she is the victim of Count Dracula, a powerful vampire who is feeding on her blood.
For “Dracula” director Mark Mannette, associate professor, director of theater and chair of arts and humanities at Newman, it’s the thrill and suspense of the classic story that he looks forward to bringing to life for the audience.
“This play made the careers of both Bela Lugosi and Frank Langella when they played the role of Dracula,” he said. “It should be an exciting offering for Halloween season.”
Senior Austin Schwartz, who plays the role of Van Helsing, hopes that the audience can sit back and enjoy the exploration of the myth of the vampire.
“That myth began due to mankind’s fascination with immortality,” he said. “As someone who personally finds vampire lore to be absolutely fascinating, I couldn’t imagine not seeing the show.”
And for those who may not share Schwartz’s passion for vampires, “I’d encourage them to come share in one of the most classic stories of human history,” he said.
Watch the mysterious thriller unfold in “Dracula” with showtimes at 8 p.m. Oct. 20-22 and 2 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Performance Hall, located in the De Mattias Fine Arts Building.
It should be an exciting offering for Halloween season.
Mark Mannette, director of “Dracula”
Admission is $15 for the general public, $10 for faculty, staff, senior and military, $5 for students and free for Newman students with I.D. Guests can buy tickets online or at the door to reserve a seat.
Support Newman University theater
Many Newman University theater graduates have gone on to perform professionally as actors, playwrights, stage managers and more. Your support of theater at Newman allows for continued scholarships and artistic opportunities for students of all majors.
