Kennett Drama Club presents Dracula

Halloween may be over, but for the students at Kennett High School, the horror is about to begin as the drama department presents "Dracula: The Vampire Play."

Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, the play tells the story of Professor Van Helsing, played by Will Caldwell, who discovers that Lucy Seward, played by Katie Briscoe, has become the victim of a vampire. Helsing suspects the culprit is the mysterious Count Dracula, played by Michael Scallorns, and sets out to rid London of the fiendish villain.

According to director and drama instructor Meg Benson, she chose "Dracula: The Vampire Play" to try to bring back the "packed houses" the Fall play used to have.

"One reason I picked this play is because anything 'vampire' right now is so hot," Benson said. "I was also looking for a show not done here before. I'm looking for a return to packed houses that the Fall play used to bring in."

Another reason Benson said she chose the play is because of the appeal.

"As I try to rebuild the drama program and attract more students, I wanted to pick something that has an easy appeal," Benson said.

The cast consists of Haylee Poe, Shelby Spence, Jill Neimier, Hayley Henderson, Daniel Lockhert, Melanie Gamble, Jasmyn Denham, David Bell, Chris Kaiser, Elaine Hoskins, Holly Jones, Will Caldwell, Montrell Childress, Katie Briscoe, Michael Scallorns, Chelsea Hargrave, Hayley Simmons, Alex Adams, and Leah King.

Benson said the play is set in the 1800's in London, and the actors will be wearing period costumes.

Benson said she wanted to give a special thanks to Joe Newman, the SEMO Little Theater, Barton's Lumber Company, Wilcoxson's Homeplace, John Wheeler, James Finch, Steve Crow, Ralph Hemann, Christine Currie, and the many volunteers who have assisted with the various aspects of bringing the play together.

"Dracula," a dramatization by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston, will be presented as a play in three acts on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21. The play will begin at 7 p.m. . Seating will be general admission with tickets costing $3.50. Tickets can be pre-ordered by calling (573) 717-1120 ext. 126. Dress rehearsal for the play is scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19, and is open to the public.

"Dracula: The Vampire Play" is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.