'Dracula' Reimagining To Take Morristown High School Stage

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A classic vampire tale is getting a modern makeover at Morristown High School this fall, as students prepare to bring a reimagined version of "Dracula" to the stage.

The school's theater program will present Kate Hamill's "Dracula" from Nov. 20 through Nov. 22, offering audiences a fresh take on Bram Stoker's iconic Gothic horror story.

Originally published in 1897, Stoker's novel follows Count Dracula, an undead Transylvanian nobleman who travels to Victorian England and preys on unsuspecting victims, including Mina Harker and Lucy Westenra, before facing vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing.

Hamill's 2022 adaptation turns the familiar story on its head, using Dracula's vampirism as a metaphor for chauvinism while challenging traditional gender roles.

In the Morristown High School production, Elliot Eck portrays Count Dracula, while Olivia Montague takes on the role of Dr. Van Helsing, reimagined as a fearless American woman determined to confront both vampires and Victorian-era sexism.

Tara Gumpper plays Mina Harker, and Caroline Higgins portrays Lucy Westenra.

Unlike the original story, the female characters take a more active role in shaping their own destinies, according to MHS faculty director George LaVigne.

"Finally, the women of the play, Mina and Lucy, have agency in the story," LaVigne said.

He described Hamill's version of Van Helsing as "a woman who suffers no fools, bullies, or vampires."

According to LaVigne, the production explores themes of sisterhood, challenging cultural expectations and breaking down traditional gender roles.

"The play is threaded with themes of sisterhood, challenging cultural tropes, and deconstructing gender roles," he said.

Despite its modern themes, the production promises to retain the thrills of the original horror classic, mixing frightening scenes, action, comedy, and plenty of theatrical blood.

The show will run two evening performances and two matinees:

• Friday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be bought online here.

School officials caution that the production contains mature themes, scenes of horror and violence, and graphic blood effects, which may make it unsuitable for younger audiences.