An Ingenious Dracula at East Ridge

by Asha Singh, Timber Creek High School

Dark rooms, piercing screams, uncertainty at every corner, a figure clothed in darkness and surrounded by an aura of mystery. Quick hide your veins, it's East Ridge High school’s production of Dracula!

Bram Stoker’s classic story follows the lives of Mina, Lucy, Harker, Dr. Seward, and Professor Van Helsing as they battle the lord of the un-dead, Count Dracula. In the Deane and Balderston version, Mina is bitten by the visiting count and becomes one of his servants. Her soul is freed by Professor Van Helsing, who has been called in by Dr. Seward. Seward is fearful for her daughter Lucy’s health as she too was bitten but has not yet been completely turned into the un-dead. There to offer assistance to Van Helsing is Jonathan Harker, Lucy’s betrothed.

Starring as the family’s savior is Tony DeLuca, whose confidant air enhances the idea that his character is the only hope for the Seward family. Adding greatly was Amanda Riggio’s Lucy, who must go back and forth from human to Dracula-controlled vixen throughout the play. Another difficult role is Renfield, the servant of Dracula, whose psychotic mannerisms and sudden bursts of fear, panic and regret were performed by Michelle Tribbey to great effect.

An ingenious addition to the play is the ensemble of “loonies”, who greet the audience during the two intermissions. The loonies are a great tool to involve the viewers, add humor, and still maintain the essence of the dark tale. The maid’s (played by Vanessa Bittner) changes in vocal delivery during the mind-control scene with Dracula are something to be admired. While the overall speech is generally clear, some members of the cast seem to have problems maintaining the accent. A few drift in and out of character, but their strong focus was shown when a cell phone rang repeatedly and the cast continued as if nothing had happened.

The special effects are among the show’s strengths. The bat with the red eyes flying into the window, the red light emitted from the inside of the coffin, and the shattering mirror are excellent additions to the show. The subtle use of the eerie wind and dark organ music perfectly compliment Dracula’s sinister presence.

The idea of the set, with its interchangeable parts, is commendable. In costumes, furnishings and the doorways more attention to period accuracy could have been given, but there is a beautiful couch that works well.

East Ridge's Production made for an enjoyably evening.

Originally published by the Backstage Noise, 2004