Vampires take flight at 'Dracula: The Musical'
Most any element in a musical production can send your spirits soaring – the music, the story, the dancing, the actors or the staging, for example. But in the Midwest premiere of Frank Wildhorn's "Dracula: The Musical" at Palatine's Cutting Hall, it is the actors who literally are soaring through the air in this unique co-production by the area's award-winning companies, Music On Stage and Theatre Nebula.
The production, in Palatine for a limited five weekend run continuing through Nov. 6, features the use of theatrical flying apparatus, rare for most theater productions, let alone community theater companies.
However, Music On Stage and Theatre Nebula, both recent recipients of the Illinois Theatre Association's Excellence in Theatre award, have gone the extra mile to maintain the integrity of the original Broadway production and bring this dramatic telling of the Dracula tale to their audiences.
Provided by Hall Associates Flying Effects of DeKalb, the flight rigging necessary to lift the actors high above the Gothic set required additional equipment and materials be added temporarily to Cutting Hall's spacious 36-foot proscenium stage. This work was done and financed jointly by Music On Stage and Theatre Nebula, which are both resident companies of Cutting Hall, which is owned by the Palatine Park District.
“The illusion of flight is integral to the presentation to the musical telling of the Dracula tale,” explained Executive Producer Heide Gotsch. “Many theater companies might shy away from such ambitious effects, but we were confident in the capabilities of our cast and staff, and committed to maintaining the production standards and essence of Dracula: The Musical, which has thrilled audiences on both Broadway and in Europe.”
“Theatrical flying is not something necessarily taught in theatre programs,” added Executive Producer, J. Spencer Greene. “It requires both actors and crew to perform in harmony to convincingly accomplish the effect. Hall Associates' experience was helpful, as they have supplied flying effects for the entertainment industry since 1991 -- from high schools to Broadway theaters, from Europe to Asia, from California to Maine, and now in Palatine, Illinois.”
The flight “sequences” are interspersed throughout the production, and Director Kevin Wiczer explained that, “Our flying design and choreography are conceived and executed in such a manner to support the production, not eclipse it. Each instance is designed to complement this powerful musical, and enhance the audience's experience and enjoyment.”
Dracula: the Musical is based on the original Victorian novel by Bram Stoker. The soaring score is by Frank Wildhorn, with lyrics and book by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. The story follows the Count de Dracula as he is about to purchase a home far away from his remote estate in Transylvania and venture to the more lively, England. Upon seeing a picture of Mina, his lawyer Jonathon Harker's fiancée, the Count recognizes her as a past love and vows to have her once again. In the meantime, he must find victims to quench his thirst for life and to keep him youthful. Mina's best friend, Lucy, submits to Dracula, which leads to the vampire expert Van Helsing being called in to pursue and kill Dracula.
The show originally ran on Broadway for 154 performances, after which it was enhanced with six new songs and crisper dialogue, evoking rave reviews from audiences in Switzerland and Austria. This production marks the first time either version of Dracula is being performed in the Midwest, and both Music On Stage and Theatre Nebula were honored to have this groundbreaking event cited on The Frank Wildhorn Official Website along with the composer's newest Broadway offering, Bonnie & Clyde.
Music On Stage and Theatre Nebula most recently collaborated in last season's sellout hit Jesus Christ Superstar. The veteran Chicago-area production team for Dracula: The Musical consists of Music Director Ann Stewart, Scenic Designer Frank Roberts, Lighting Designer Steve Nickerson, Costume Designer Patty Halajian and Choreographer Kara Williams.
The gifted cast features the talents of Steve Lugovsky as Dracula, Colette Todd as Mina, Jenny Kuffel as Lucy, Tony Calzaretta as Van Helsing, Mark LeBeau Jr. as Jonathon, and Don J. Orlando as Renfield. Mark Stickney, Deric Anthony Gochenauer, and Brendan Foley play the suitors of Lucy, while Kathy Blaheta, Hema Sathia, and Becky Lugovsky comprise the Vampire Bride trio. Julianna Tomecki and Mackenzie Puckett share duties as the Little Girl.
Tickets are currently on sale through the Cutting Hall Box Office, 150 E. Wood St. in Palatine: 847-202-5222, or online by visiting draculathemusical.net.
Advance ticket sales are $20 for reserved seating, while ‘Silver Citizens' (age 62 and older) are $17 and children (12 and under) are $18. Add $2 if purchased at the door. Groups of 10 or more pay $17 a ticket. A dinner package is also available for only $17 added on to your ticket price in conjunction with Vince's Italian Restaurant in Palatine.