*This production is the winner of the 2019 Charles Nelson Reilly National Directing Award.
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Dracula
Adapted by Geoffrey Arndt
​from the novel by Bram Stoker

CONCEPT
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The historical recounts of Vlad Dracula make him out to be no more than a warrior who sought honor and prestige for his city of Wallachia. He earned his name, “Son of the Dragon” or “Dracula,” not by any terrible pact with unholy forces or great and glorious combat, but simply because his father was Dracul...the Dragon! Nobody really wants to know the truth, though. We are not fascinated by the truth; we are fascinated by the fantasy. So begins our adaptation of Dracula. 

COLLABORATIVE TEAM

Set Design: Andrew Nelsen
​Costume Design: Rachel Sypniewski
Lighting Design: Jordan Kardasz
Sound Designer/ Composer: Chris Dunn-Rankin
Fight Director: ​Josh Pikar
Technical Director: Karl Sullivan

SET DESIGN
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I decided to set the action of the play in New Orleans during Mardi Gras because the difference in cultures between Victorian England and New Orleans’ French Quarter rub up against each other in an interesting way. In a city of so many faces, races, creeds, faiths, and mystery, New Orleans creates a very romantic backdrop for Dracula to come to the United States. From the freedom of the masquerade in the season of Carnival, to the elegance and gentility of Southern men and women coming of age, this world is bubbling with possiblities.

PRODUCTION PHOTOS