Moorpark College’s cast of “Dracula” skillfully showed “there are such things as vampires” in this tale of the undead.
The cast of “Dracula” seemed content with their success on Oct. 16 as they took their opening night bows to the standing ovation of a delighted audience.
After auditions and weeks of rehearsals, the production of “Dracula,” directed by John Loprieno, at last opened its curtains to reveal a stunning and compelling production on the Performing Arts’ main stage. Audience members awaited for the start of the show as the sound of a pounding heartbeat echoed in the theater.
“I am so excited for this show and to see the different casts’ interpretation of the story, but I’m also nervous because I am easily terrified of horror,” said Moorpark student Peter Mazzeo. “I think this production is really going to stick in my mind.”
The show featured a talented cast including Leah Dalrymple and Sienna Privat as Lucy and Mina, the innocent and endearing female leads. Dylan Iannolo as Jonathan Harker, Jacob Young as Seward, Seta Wainiqolo as Van Helsing, and Jeremiah Gray as the Lord of the Vampires, Dracula, gave memorizing performances as the characters they had created.
The star of the show, however, was Ryan Driscoll as Renfield. Playing Dracula’s lunatic servant, Driscoll masterfully created a role both frightening and utterly entertaining. “Dracula” is Driscoll’s debut performance at Moorpark College, but he has had experience in local theaters including his role as Nicely Nicely in “Guys and Dolls” and Jimmy in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
The play follows Dracula’s pursuit of two innocent girls, Mina and Lucy, shifting from London to tales of Transylvania. Steven Dietz’s adaption uses journal entries to fully immerse the audience in the hypnotizing tale of Count Dracula. The production sparked interest as many of the audience members related to the characters in a practical way.
“I thought the play itself was rather topical as we all are thinking about sickness and death recently (in the media),” said audience member Jim Bukowski. “I was thinking about how there was a definite subtheme of doubting science that we can relate to right now.”
Along with the talented cast, the sets and special effects worked together to captivate the audience and create a terrifying atmosphere. Gothic fog billowed across the stage as Dracula makes his seductive entrances through Lucy’s bedroom window, and large projections of the moon created a stunning visual aesthetic on stage. Brian Koehler, Technical Director/Scenic Designer, along with Lightening Designer and Theatre Technician, Mickey Howell work together to create a beautiful work of art of stage.
“The blood is fake, but the bruises are real,” said Young.
Running through Oct. 26, with free student matinees on Oct. 21 and 22, Moorpark College’s production of “Dracula” is sure to please audiences this Halloween season. For tickets and more information go to sunny.moorparkcollege.edu/theatre
