Theatre on the Road’s ‘Dracula’ returns in October with new venues, cast surprises

 One of the most notorious and nefarious literary characters, Dracula, comes (back) to life onstage this fall through Theatre on the Road’s dramatic retelling of the legendary psychological thriller. The highly anticipated annual performance has become a cornerstone event in the Hudson Valley, selling out shows at unique venues like Rosendale’s Widow Jane Mine and former host Bannerman Island.

This year, the production, set in the shadowy countryside of 1920s England, will run for 12 shows at five venues, including four evenings at the Widow Jane Mine. “Dracula” performed in this cavernous setting is a can’t-miss experience.

Theatre on the Road, a traveling theater troupe, brings to life the original Broadway script which follows the story of Lucy, the beautiful daughter of Dr. Seward, head of an English sanatorium, who falls mysteriously ill. Her fiancé, Jonathan Harker, is desperate for answers. Enter Professor Van Helsing, a polymath scientist and detective with unconventional leanings—and in this retelling, played as a strong female lead—who suspects a far more sinister cause: Count Dracula. Meanwhile, the deranged Renfield, portrayed here as a female patient under Seward’s care, becomes the Count’s obsessively devoted servant.

The battle of good versus evil is a known theme of “Dracula,” originally written by Bram Stoker and made popular by the late actor Bella Lugosi (among other dramatic retellings over the years). But this production ties in culturally relevant themes present in modern times: What happens when unchecked power is wielded by those without empathy? How can a united front take action to revitalize the common good?

“The production is a haunting and captivating telling of the classic vampire myth; without reimagining the story, we find that it happens to have significant relevance to our cultural challenges of today—as timeless literature tends to do,” says Director Michelle Kafel-Cintron, who also plays the part of Van Helsing and is the theater troupe’s Producing Artistic Director.

“Part of Theatre on the Road’s novelty is that we travel to various locations and have the opportunity to showcase the play in a variety of different settings, from the ethereal Widow Jane Mine to a Vaudeville venue like the Tarrytown Music Hall, which adds unique character to each performance,” says producer Frank Marquette, who also co-owns the organization with his wife, Kristen, the show’s costume coordinator.

Here’s where you can catch “Dracula”

October 2-5 at 7pm: Widow Jane Mine, (668 NY-213, Rosendale, NY 12472) – Tickets 

October 10 at 8pm / October 11 at 2pm & 8pm: Howland Cultural Center (477 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508) – Tickets

October 13 at 5pm & 8pm: Tarrytown Music Hall (13 Main St Floor 2, Tarrytown, NY 10591) – Tickets

October 17 at 7pm: Stissing Center (2950 Church St, Pine Plains, NY 12567) – Tickets

Cast

Count Dracula – Perri Yaniv, pictured above

Miss Wells the Maid – Lara Acevedo

Jonathan Harker – Jordan Zakka

Doctor Seward – Brent Shultz

Van Helsing – Michelle Kafel-Cintron

Renfield – Marisa Gorsline

Butterworth the Attendant – David Britton

Lucy Seward – Allegra Coons

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