Stage Version of Dracula Comes to Silver Center, Blood Included

The Plymouth State University Theatre Department presents Dracula, opening on the Hanaway Stage Thurs., Oct.16. The show will bring together elements of action, horror, love, music, and lots of blood, but the content also challenges conventional gender roles.

In this production, both Dracula and Van Helsing are played by women, a choice made after the auditions. Directors Beth Daily and Robin Marcotte were open to nontraditional casting, and “[These actors] blended the best with the cast,” said Marcotte.

Dracula is played by Meg Anchukaitis. Some difficulties of playing a role written for a man are, “finding ways to be more intimidating like a man’s stature in a woman’s body. And not always in a sexual way,” said Anchukaitis.

One of Anchukaitis’ favorite scenes is between Dracula and Van Helsing. “It’s two powerful lead female roles...with men on the ground,” she said.

Evan Grande, who plays Harker, said that women give the show a different dynamic. “It’s really refreshing that they have a lot of power and control in the scenes,” Grande said.

Marcotte said one of the biggest challenges is putting together all of the theatrical elements. The show utilizes music, sound effects, lights, and fog to create a mood fit for gothic horror. “We haven’t done [gothic horror] in 15, 20 years. It’s been a while,” said Marcotte.

One challenge for the actors is physicality. “[It’s hard] figuring out different stances, different moves” said Katrina Chamberlain, who plays Van Helsing. She demonstrated by wildly swinging her cane. Part of the challenge came from making the gestures believable. “This play is written like a melodrama...we’re not trying to play it like that,” said Grande.

Audience members can expect a thrilling evening of “Very fast, very action based theatre,” said Marcotte. The show goes up shortly before Halloween. “We’ve got some cool music, lots of blood shooting out, I don’t want to give too much away,” said actor Catherine Jacobs.

Now the cast and crew just have to find a way to prevent blood from getting all over their microphones.

Dracula is playing Thurs., Oct. 16, and 18 at 8pm, Oct. 17 at 7pm, and Oct. 18 and 19 at 2pm. Call (603)-535-2787 or visit www.plymouth.edu/silver-center for tickets.