I first read Bram Stoker's Dracula in Junior High. Having been exposed to the 1931 Bela Lugosi film much earlier in my life during the early 60s on Nightmare Theatre, Count Dracula had become my favorite movie monster and the time had come to read Stoker's novel. I was thoroughly entranced. The novel uses clever stylistic devices, most importantly the use 0f diaries, letters and phonograph recordings to advance the plot. I cared for Stoker's developed characters. The struggle between good and evil is clear and I have cherished the book ever since, reading it twice since.
I have seen nearly every film presentation of Dracula and with the exception of the BBC presentation in 1977 has strayed from the novel's vision. Unfortunately Louis Jourdan didn't come across as the embodiment of evil Stoker intended in the BBC version. All of the versions I've seen have good things to offer but I always find myself desiring a closer adaptation of the novel.
Before Dracula was filmed by Tod Browning it was a hit in the theatre. The 1931 film version was, in fact, adapted from the 1924 stage play, which later starred Bela Lugosi in 1927 on Broadway. In 1977, Dracula was revived for the stage starring Frank Langella which was nominated for and won several Tony Awards. It is appropriate that Dracula would have success on the theatrical stage. After all, Bram Stoker was a man of the theatre. He started out as a theatre critic for the Dublin Evening Mail and later became the business manager for Henry Irving's Lyceum Theatre in London.
Over 20 years ago the Indiana Reperatory Theatre put on a performance of Dracula. I don't recall who wrote the play but it did stray from the source material but I found it quite enjoyable. This past weekend, I once again had the wonderful experience of attending a different production of Dracula at the IRT.
The current production was written by playwright, Steven Dietz in 1996 and has been played around the country since by numerous groups of artists. Peter Amster directs this production and together with the talents on stage puts together a very enjoyable experience.
Dietz's tale is fast paced and what I appreciated most was the faithfulness to Stoker's original novel, quite an achievement in 2 hour and 20 minutes. Dietz presents a tale where science and faith must come together to defeat evil. Like the novel, the audience must piece together the multiple concurrent actions taking place. All of the major story elements are present though the sequencing is somewhat altered. Most of the characters are represented, though 2 of Lucy's suitors are mentioned but not seen and their characteristics are combined in the character of Dr. Seward played by Eric Hellman.
The main character of Dracula is played by Wade McCollum who brings a sinister performance but not over the top. My wife, Judy, was particularly taken with the performance of Dietrich Gray as Renfield.
McCollumI was particularly impressed with Lee Stark who played Mina. She brought to Mina what has been missing from so many performances of the character. Mina was written as a sensible, virtuous woman. From the novel we read Van Helsing's words about Mina's character as he addresses her, "Oh but I am so grateful to you, you so clever woman..." and "There are darknesses in life, and there are lights; you are one of the lights. You will have a happy life and good life, and your husband will be blessed in you." and "I have read your diary that you so goodly written for me, and which breathes out truth in every line... Your husband is noble nature, and you are noble too, for you trust, and trust cannot be where there is a mean nature."
The character of Lucy was played by Jennifer Joan Thompson and she may have had one of the most frightening scenes when after she has succombed to the count is seen gliding across the back of the stage bearing fangs shouting "Little Boy! Little Boy!" as Van Helsing, Seward and Harker prepare to end her existance.
The sets and the music certainly added to the haunting atmosphere of the production and the costumes represented the Victorian period well.
The only flaw I saw in the performance we were attending was during the finale when Mina strikes the final blow against the Count as he lays in his coffin. The effect which causes Dracula to appear to shrink and evaporate before our eyes starts slightly prematurely to Mina's strike.
All in all I was impressed. It was a very satisfying play and I would be more than happy to see it again.
Dracula will be playing at iRT through October 23rd. On Monday September 12th , iRT will be holding a blood drive and free tickets will be given to those who contribute.
