MEDIA RELEASE Contact: Alayna Chabot [email protected] (214) 978-0110 ext. 143

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 12, 2016

Chilling adventure lurks in the fog as DCT’s Teen Scene Players present : THE VAMPIRE PLAY October 14 – October 29, 2016

DRACULA: THE VAMPIRE PLAY, presented by Dallas Children's Theater's Teen Scene Players will satisfy all cravings for thrill and terror. Directed by Artie Olaisen, this version utilizes the original script from the play's debut in the 1920s. Audience members will be forced back in time to be a part of the legendary battle of good versus evil. The play runs October 14 through October 29, 2016 and arrives just in time for Halloween.

Bram Stoker's classic, Gothic-era novel Dracula is the basis of the script which was adapted by Hamilton Deane in at the turn of the 20th Century. Stoker previously tried to adapt the story for the stage himself, but was unsuccessful. Deane later took it upon himself to write the play, doing so in a four-week period while he suffered with a severe cold. He brought the play to America in 1927, and the role of Dracula was taken on by the then-unknown Hungarian actor , who went on to become one of the most iconic actors to take on the role. John L. Balderston later rewrote the play for its American debut, and the show went on to run on Broadway.

While writing the play, Deane re-imagined Count Dracula as a more urbane and theatrically acceptable character who could plausibly enter London society. Stoker painstakingly researched places, superstitions, and myths surrounding vampires while writing Dracula. But it was Deane’s idea that the Count should wear a flowing cape on stage, as it would help conceal the actor portraying him as he disappeared through trap doors in the stage.

"With this production, we introduce our audiences to the original stage adaptation which chilled and startled audiences in the 1920's," said Artie Olaisen, director of DRACULA: THE VAMPIRE PLAY and DCT's Associate Artistic Director. "Everyone will have a 'chilling' good time with the immortal Count (Dracula), for try as we may to get rid of him, he keeps popping back up, year, after year, after year."

Only 11 years remain until the 100th anniversary of Count Dracula's first appearance on American stages. In that time, audiences have become infatuated with the tale of the world's most infamous vampire. Now Dallas audiences will have the opportunity to come face to face with the blood-loving monster. Tickets to DRACULA: THE VAMPIRE PLAY are on sale now. The play runs until October, 29, just in time to give audiences thrills and chills before Halloween.

SEASON SPECIAL TEEN SCENE PLAYERS PRESENT DRACULA: THE VAMPIRE PLAY By Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston From ’s novel

October 14 – October 29, 2016

Recommended for ages 12 and up

Cast  Butterworth The Attendant : Cole Lee Connor  : Marquis Fomby II  Jonathan Harker: Isaac Garcia  Dr. Seward: Shayne Grant  Dr. Van Helsing: Manon McCollum  Dracula: Peter Sanchez  Lucy Seward: Sierra Stead  Miss Wells the Maid: Elizabeth Stratton

Production Team  Director: Artie Olaisen  Scenic & Props Designer: H. Bart McGeehon  Costume Designer: Lyle Huchton  Lighting Designer: Linda Blasé  Sound Designer: Marco Salinas  Stage Manager: N. Ryan McBride  Stage Management Intern: Caitlin Carlile  Director of Production: H. Bart McGeehon  Technical Director: Josh Smith  Production & Rental Coordinator: N. Ryan McBride  Lighting Supervisor: Jason Lynch  Staff Sound Engineer: Brian Christensen  Assistant Technical Director: Jeffrey Stanfield  Staff Electrician: Jason Monmaney

Performance Dates and Times - Friday, October 14, 7:30 PM - Saturday, October 15, 7:30 PM - Sunday, October 16, 1:30 PM - Friday, October 21, 7:30 PM - Saturday, October 22, 7:30 PM - Sunday, October 23, 1:30 PM (ASL) - Friday, October 28, 7:30 PM - Saturday, October 29, 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $16.

Weekday Student Matinee shows also available Tuesdays through Fridays. Please call ArtReach Booking at 214-219-2049.

Dallas Children’s Theater Rosewood Center for Family Arts 5938 Skillman Street Dallas, Texas 75231

About Dallas Children’s Theater

Dallas Children’s Theater features professional actors performing for an annual audience of 250,000 young people and their families through mainstage productions (12 in the 2016-17 season), a national touring company, and an arts-in-education program. As the only major organization in Dallas focusing solely on youth and family theater, DCT builds bridges of understanding between generations and cultures, instilling an early appreciation of literature, art and the performing arts in tomorrow’s artists and patrons.

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