On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to Director Jake Van Hoorn about Dracula, on stage Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre.
Adapted by playwright Steven Dietz, this version stays close to Stoker’s original novel, restoring characters, scenes and even some of the more gruesome elements often left out of other stage adaptations. In doing so, it leaves behind the romanticized Dracula familiar from some modern interpretations.
“There’s no tragic romance storyline in this one,” Van Hoorn said. “He is just a predator looking to wreak havoc.”
Kyle Redman takes on the title role, portraying a Dracula who is both charismatic and magnetic, while also viciously monstrous. Underneath the blood and horror, however, Van Hoorn says the story offers something unexpected: hope. This Dracula seeks to break his victims by convincing them that any resistance is futile, while the story’s imperfect heroes find the strength to continue fighting through one another.
“When they don’t find strength in themselves, they find strength in each other,” Van Hoorn said, noting that the production contains “some really beautiful heartfelt moments amidst all of the blood and gore.”
Due to the production’s mature and graphic content, audiences are encouraged to review the complete content advisories before attending.
Dracula runs Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre.
