The arrival of autumn here in the desert is much-anticipated for many reasons—one of which being that it’s the beginning of a new theater season. Now is the time to end your summer home hibernation—and go enjoy what our local theaters are presenting!
The Revolution Stage Company in Palm Springs is beginning its fourth season, and the folks there have wisely chosen to invest in improving the space by adding raked seating—meaning people sitting further back from the stage are better able to see the action. The theater has also reconfigured lighting and technical operating areas. Bravo!
Fitting for an October production, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors kicks off the new season. Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, the play borrows the characters from the Bram Stoker classic. Count Dracula is still a thirsty vampire craving human blood. His knowledgeable nemesis, Van Helsing, is here, as are Dr. Westfeldt, Lucy, Mina, Jonathan Harker and Renfield. As the title states, it IS a comedy—and after the gloomy newscasts of late, it is indeed time for some humor!
Director Nathan Wilson has put together a stellar group of five valley-based performers, each of whom plays multiple roles. The magic of live theater is on display countless times when an actor becomes a different character in a matter of seconds by donning a different costume, a wig and/or accent, with no break in the action. This is a gender-bending show, with men playing some women’s roles, and vice versa—that’s part of the fun. Wilson’s direction keeps the action moving quickly and purposefully. Lines that were written firmly tongue-in-cheek made their point, and there were also wonderful moments of broad physical comedy.
Sean Timothy Brown is the title character, Dracula. His entrances were marked with rock-star flashing lights. With his smoldering good looks and swagger, he took command of the stage whenever he was present. He had just the right touch of menace—as well as vulnerability.
Adam Hieter displayed his versatility and comic chops. His lustful Mina was delightful—and then he turned into a wonderful Van Helsing. His scene as the doctor at the bedside with patient Mina had the audience in an uproar!
Rebecca McWilliams is a master at dialects and physical comedy. Her Dr. Westfeldt, father to Mina and Lucy, was always amusing. Her transition to fly-eating Renfield/Dracula’s slave was great fun.
Jackson Tropp gave a naïve innocence to Jonathan Harker, later revealing there was more to the character than first observed. His transition into one of the undead was very well done.
Danielle Vargas was a Lucy with great range. She showed a sweet innocence but also a strong resolve in resisting Dracula when he made his advances. Her bedroom scene with the Count was funny and over too quickly.
A strong technical team made this production flow effortlessly. The simple set used projections by Wilson to show traveling by ship, horse-drawn coach and horseback, as well as different interiors. Duke Core’s lighting was effective in transitions and focused on individual actors when necessary. Corin Frost’s props were many and well done. The costumes by Michelle Mendoza were excellent in depicting the time period—and for their ease in being changed quickly and efficiently. To the credit of everyone involved with this show, it was performed with a tightness of a well-made Swiss timepiece!
Forget the tricks this Halloween season! Treat yourself to an entertaining production of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors!
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors will be performed at 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Oct. 22 and 23; 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25; and 7 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 29-31, at Revolution Stage Company, at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets start at $35. For tickets or more information, visit www.revolutionstagecompany.com.
