River City Players present 'Dracula'

Halloween may be behind us, but that doesn't mean the fright, dread and panic have to end.

"Dracula" is in town.

While the River City Players' production of "Dracula" is in keeping with the classic story by Bram Stoker, this production, with the script by Crane Johnson, is described as a fast-moving version with heightened action.

The play opened Thursday at the Yacht Club at Port Cape Girardeau, 19 N. Water St., and performances continue today, Saturday and Sunday. Today's and Saturday's shows start at 8 p.m. with a dinner buffet at 7 p.m. Sunday's show is at 2 p.m. with a dessert buffet at 1:30 p.m.

"While keeping the essence of the classic 'Dracula' story, Crane Johnson's 'Dracula' script breathes new life into the characters, and Tana Howard's direction offers a delightful twist, as all of those who fall under Dracula's powers are women. From the wisely whimsical Renfield to the stylishly inscrutable Dr. Van Helsing, Dracula's nemesis, the characters will surprise the audience," Roseanna Whitlow, president of the River City Players board of directors, said in an email to the Southeast Missourian.

Lucy, played by Hevan Leon, lies covered in items to ward off evil during a dress rehearsal of the River City Players' production of "Dracula" on Wednesday night at Port Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

"I've been a fan of 'Dracula' since we staged a production at Southeast [Missouri State University] in the early '70s and my roommate played the fair Lucy, who succumbs under Dracula's spell," Whitlow said.

The New York Times called Crane's treatment "fascinating ... eerily worthwhile." The play ran for a full season at New York's Royal Playhouse.

Whitlow said the production is suitable for all ages, adding, "Well, those who can watch vampires without having nightmares beckoning them through their windows at night."

In addition to directing, Howard plays Mr. Harker. Other members of the cast are Paul King as Dracula, Holly Raines as Van Helsing, Hevan Leon as Lucy, Chrissie Shay as Renfield, Joe Reed as Dr. Seward and Elizabeth Akers as Abigail.

"Our production is true to the feel of the original book and the ultimate Dracula himself, Bela Lugosi. We rely on acting and minimal effects to put shivers down your spine. None of our vampires sparkle; It's a good, old-fashioned evening of wondering how the dashing Dr. Seward and Professor Van Helsing will save poor Mrs. Harker and her niece, Lucy, from the nefarious count and his minion, Renfield, the crazy bug eater. Our show has touches of steampunk to dress it up a bit, and, in a real twist, the professor and Renfield are both cast as women," Howard said.

Tickets, $35 for the dinner shows and $20 for the dessert show, may be bought at the door. Reservations may be made by calling 334-0954.

nhadler@semissourian.com

388-3630

Pertinent address: 19 N. Water St., Cape Girardeau