Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is a very unexpected version of the gothic horror classic, “Dracula” by Bram Stoker. More farce than frightening, this delicious show is hysterically funny, as quick-paced as lightening in Transylvania, and very sexy. This show is the perfect antidote to the spooky season’s shorter days and longer nights.
Very-loosely adapted from the original story, Dracula features the characters we know and love. But they are updated a bit for modern reflections on patriarchy, self-esteem, and sexuality. While there are liberties with the story, the effect is not anachronistic but comical. It adds to the ribald nonsense and the slap-stick style action.
The cast embraces the ludicrous story with gusto. As Dracula, James Daly, is full on sex-on-legs, a pansexual vampire enamoured with his looks, and the thrill of the hunt. Naomi Ngebulana, is wonderful as the vivacious and courageous heroine, Lucy. Colin Simmons has great comic timing as Lucy’s neurotic fiancé Harker. David Noël gives hysterical performances as two female characters and accomplishes this without stereotyping. Another actor playing against gender is the brilliant Ellen David. She switches roles with lighting quick timing and never misses a step. The whole cast moves the action swiftly and they switch roles so effortlessly, it makes the show soar like… a bat…
The set is simple but dominating, with minimal props. There are shadow boxes framing the entire stage illuminating the locations of the events on stage. The light and sound effects are delightfully scary and punctuate the comedy.
It can be very healthy to laugh at one’s fears. Not every shadow hides a monster. But sometimes, a monster appears and it’s not what is expected. It’s no reason not to have a little fun with it…
Photo credit: Emelia Hellman
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. Directed by Gordon Greenberg. Show continues until November 13, at Segal Centre, 5170 Chemin de la Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montreal. Call the box office 514-739-7944 or go to www.segalcentre.org .
