Dracula Arrives in the Wine Country

Young Lucy Seward is pale and wan and the mysterious neighbor Count Dracula is all to happy to be of service to the Seward residence. In this dramatic presentation of the original Dracula play, Lucy’s father, Dr. Seward, treats patients such as the creepy fly-eating Renfield and calls on his old colleague Professor Van Helsing to explore what could possibly be the problem with his daughter.

Directed by Nellie Cravens and presented by Silver Moon Theatre and the Sonoma Theatre Alliance, Dracula is staged in the round, making the audience an intimate witness to the chilling goings-on in the home of Dr. Seward.

The talented Len Handeland infuses the title role with features and delivery that grow deeper and more evil throughout the play. Renfield has with his own dark secret is played to creepy perfection by Michael Hunter. Dan Monez as Dr. Seward and Matt Witthaus as Professor Van Helsing play off each other as they realize they must go beyond conventional methods to stop the evil force that is possessing the household.

Supporting actors complete the picture with skill and it all adds up to a deliciously chilling performance just in time for Halloween season. Schubert’s music provides a perfect backdrop.

Performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday October 29 - November 1 at 8pm and Sunday matinee at 2pm on November 2. Tickets: http://www.sonomatheatrealliance.org/shows-events/festival-theatre/dracula/

Dracula is a “Silver Moon theatre production” in Association with the Sonoma Theatre Alliance, directed by Nellie Cravens, Stage Manager Laura Jovino and starring:

Len Handeland – Count Dracula

Matt Witthaus – Professor Van Helsing

Dan Monez – Dr Seward

Michael Hunter – Renfield (Dracula’s Servant)

Michael Miller – Jonathan Harker

George Bereschik – Attendant

Susan Lee – “Alice” The Maid

Courtney Bristow – Lucy Seward

Photo by Adrian Hyman

Left: Len Handeland as Dracula Right: Matt Witthaus as Professor Van Helsing