The final production of the Legacy Theatre’s season is the silly, yet very entertaining comedy, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. The play, a campy retelling of the Bram Stoker novel, is fast-paced with jokes and gags flying furiously across the stage. Playwrights Gordon Greenberg and Steven Rosen follow the basics of the Dracula legend, adding a flourish here, cross-dressing there. The seemed to have been inspired by the camp gothic classic, The Mystery of Irma Vep which also includes cross-dressing characters, lightning quick costume changes, numerous sound cues, and wacky props.
Mario Haynes as Dracula in Dracula:
A Comedy of Terrors. Photo by Sam Bibbins.
Director James Andreassi conjures up a cornucopia of sight gags, shenanigans, and tomfoolery. The show is fast-paced and has a well-placed rhythmic balance between utter daftness and strait-laced storytelling.
The cast is the finest ensemble I have seen at the Legacy Theatre, each in sync with the movements and comedic timing of the other performers.
Mario Haynes brings a hipster brashness to the role of Dracula. His vainglorious posturing is more swagger than bloodcurdling. Allison Miller is delightful as Lucy, the target of everyone’s affection. The actress, who plays other roles, is both demure and no-nonsense as she fends off the semi-menacing Count, save her sister, and light a fire under her financee. Josiah Rowe is charmingly amusing as Harker, the perpetually uptight real estate broker betrothed to Lucy. He, too, has other small, yet key roles. Both Jimmy Johansmeyer (Mina and Dr. Van Helsing) and Stephanie Stiefel Williams (Dr. Westfeldt, Renfield and Sea Captain) deserve special praise for their multiple, cross-dressing roles. Johansmeyer is madcap and wonderfully over-the-top. The actor’s natural height only amplifies his unrestrained portrayals. Williams, bald wig with fluffs of white hair, is equally zany. Her quick character changes are one of the show’s highlights.
The creative team for Dracula all provide significant facets to the production. Jamie Burnett’s Scenic Design is creatively crafted so one set piece seamlessly morphs into a completely different one. His Lighting Design adds a vibrancy that punches up scenes. Sound Designer Adam Jackson provides one hilarious audio effect after another. Costume Designer Elizabeth Bolster’s wardrobe motifs are both properly fitting for a gothic thriller and wittily constructed.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, playing at the Legacy Theatre through September 29. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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