Cast (L to R): Lorine Spencer, Ron Leslie, Anne Newhouse, Ken Knight, Kathy Lucas, Ricky Siegel, Randy Lucas, Emily Wright, Diandra Mundy, April Getz,
and Mandy Houston.
Not pictured: Craig Eister. Cathy Myers, Ransom Bozeman, and Sarah Houston.
Join the Highlands Cashiers Players at their hilariously ghoulish best October 15–18 and again October 22–25 as they present a pair of one-act comedies, Almost the Bride of Dracula and Midlife Dracula, at the Martin Lipscomb Theatre at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Together, these playful productions put a delightfully funny spin on the world’s most famous and, dare we say, misunderstood villain, Count Dracula.
Being immortal might not be all it’s cracked up to be, and these comedies take a tongue-in-cheek look at the very real struggles Dracula faces behind his menacing public persona. After all, aging, dating, aching joints, and feeling you’re missing a step are problems we can all relate to.
HCP veteran Craig Eister takes on the role of Dracula in Almost the Bride of Dracula, where he faces relentless pressure from his mother to settle down, get married, and, finally, provide her with grandchildren. The resulting parade of unfortunate dates highlights the very unusual challenges a vampire encounters when searching for a suitable bride.
Diandra Mundy plays Dracula’s mother, while Lorine Spencer, April Getz, and Mandy Houston portray the prospective brides. And you thought dating today was tough!
In Midlife Dracula, the Count is facing the “Big 400,” and Ricky Siegel brings his midlife angst to life as Dracula copes with aching joints, recurring doctor visits, fading confidence, and the nagging feeling that he has lost his mojo. Ricky is no stranger to the HCP stage, and audiences always look forward to his wonderfully memorable character portrayals.
Director Randy Lucas is stepping into his first role as director for this production. No stranger to the local stage, he has appeared in several productions for Highlands Cashiers Players and the North Georgia Community Players in recent years. Production director Cathy Myers will transform the Martin Lipscomb Theatre into a Transylvanian castle and keep the behind-the-scenes magic running smoothly for both shows.
You’ll know you’re in for a treat when you’re welcomed by friendly spooks and volunteers dressed as Dracula into the Martin Lipscomb Theatre. Also expect Dracula to show you to your seats and serve refreshments, including “vampire wine.” It’s an immersive experience designed to set the mood before the curtain even rises.
Audiences will also be treated to a dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven, performed by local students.
And don’t forget to join HCP again on October 30 when they will present a one-night-only recreation of H.G. Wells’ 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds.
Tickets are available at highlandscashiersplayers.com, or by calling or visiting the PAC box office at 507 Chestnut Street, (828) 526-9047.
Favorites Count: 0