“Dracula, a feminist revenge fantasy, really.” By Kate Hamill; Based on the novel by Bram Stoker; Directed by Michelle Aguillon; Presented by The Umbrella Stage Company at The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow St. Concord, MA. Performances through Oct. 30th.
by Tom Boudrot
The season-opening production of The Umbrella Stage Company is action-packed, funny, scary and perfect for the Halloween month – but a word of caution, it’s definitely NOT for children under 16 years old. Award-winning writer Kate Hamill (who earned raves for her adaptation of Pride and Prejudice) tells the story of the 125-year-old vampire tale from a female perspective. Dracula, like so many 19th century classics, still attracts an appreciative audience but has not necessarily aged well in today’s social climate.
The production is not an exact retelling of the original tale, but it’s quite close considering this version is presented by six women and three men and takes a stark look at the systemic unfairness, sexism and misogyny prevalent and very much accepted in Stoker’s era (Dracula was published in 1897), and sadly still exists today.
Nevertheless, this is, as it has always been, an exciting, gothic tale full of suspense, tension and even a little gore. But the production is also peppered throughout with funny lines and lots of physical action. It’s a credit to the company that even with minimal staging, doses of humor and broad social messaging, there are still genuine moments of fright and tension for the audience. There were abundant quick-changes in scene and costume and the show was lively and face-paced.
Joseph Jude brings the laughter early on as the frightened Jonathan Harker, called to Dracula’s castle in Romania to transact some business, but he really gets to display his acting chops as he transforms from bumbling, nervous young businessman into the possessed sycophant of Dracula. Lisa San Pascual is excellent in her central role as Harker’s pregnant wife Mina. Unknown to her, being with child turns out to be her saving grace, as Dracula (of course) prefers the blood of virgins. Sara Jones commands the stage as the poor, pitiful Renfield, and her vitality as the mad, abused dupe of Count Dracula pushes the energy of this two-hour drama to exciting heights.
The energy level is sustained when Maria Hendricks enters the scene as Dr. Van Helsing, the iconic vampire hunter who will not be talked down to. Ms. Hendricks keeps the fast-paced dialogue flying, along with the pointy, wooden stakes. Dominic Carter, who was memorable in August Wilson’s “Fences” at the Umbrella, plays the haughty doctor Seward. While the entire cast was marvelous, I must make special note of Emily Sheeran’s performance. As one of Dracula’s evil and always hungry for blood wives, she brought a real sense of scariness and danger to her multiple roles. In her turn as the asylum jailor she brings a nasty, burned-out attitude that is perfect for the part. It’s a credit to her range that she also played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.
As for Dracula himself, Dustin Teuber brought the power and self-righteousness necessary to the role. He played the part of Dracula like a king devouring a delicious meal, savoring each course.
This play contains sexual situations, violence and suicide and the producers warn it may not be appropriate for viewers under 16 years of age. For tickets and information, go to: https://theumbrellaarts.org/production/dracula
