Review for English

Matt Sharp

Professor Andy Smith

English 1010-018

November 24, 2009

A Bloody Good Time

The Closing Night of Dracula by Crane Johnson

The Backdoor Playhouse was rather packed for the final night of Dracula, directed by Mark Creter, and after over 10 performances, I have to say that I'm surprised. It was indeed a good play, and it lasted for quite a while so that even slackers and deadbeats like me can find a chance to catch a showing. To retain a large audience even after showing as many times as the play did was truly impressive.

As the lights dimmed and the show began, it slowly started but quickly garnered attention as the play's manic madman, Renfield (played by Evan Montgomery), broke into the scene. For a play based on a horror book, it wasn't really that frightening, save for a few moments, such as the sickeningly good scene of Renfield with Dracula's consorts (played by Sarah Townsend and Shauna Albriton) and the unforgettable fog sequence where the crowd first sees Dracula himself (played by Josh Winscott) sinking his teeth into the helpless Lucy (played by Jordyn Strilecky).

The play was ably carried from beginning to conclusion by each and every player, with only one noticeable but easily concealed slip. It featured fascinating insights into matters of the physical realm as well as the metaphysical. Granted, I couldn't understand most of the insights, but they were there, and they played a great part in deciphering the symbolism of the play itself. The characters more interested in the supernatural, such as Renfield and Van Helsing (played by Simone O'Dell), delved into the meaning of the soul and how such a component of the human presence could be present in the blood that flows through each living human's veins. This doesn't exactly coincide very well with the fantasy situation that is the undead Dracula, but it is an interesting bit to think about even as the play continues.

Overall, the play was remarkable, with a able-bodied cast and chilling light effects. My only want for this play would be that there were a way to manage fake blood onstage. Other than that, the play was enlightening, interesting, and at times spine-tingling. I would definitely recommend this play to any who have not already seen it. Not at the Backdoor Playhouse, however, because that curtain has fallen.