Dracula Opens October 8 in Fulton Hall Theatre

SALISBURY, MD--The Bobbi Biron Theatre Program at Salisbury State University Theatre presents the vampire play, Dracula, Friday-Sunday, October 8-10, and Wednesday-Sunday, October 13-17. Performances are at 8 p.m. except Sundays, which are 2 p.m. matinees, in the Fulton Hall Theater.

Ironically, the original performance of Dracula was presented at the Fulton Theater in New York City.

Dr. Andrew Hepburn of the Communication Arts Department directs the infamous story, dramatized in 1927 by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston from Bram Stoker's novel. "Dracula will be brought to you with all its theatrical thrills, including live animals on stage," Hepburn said. He believes the Broadway production missed the mark, with bats painted on the wallpaper and on Lucy's bed. "We are going for realism. Even though its a great Gothic thriller with all the melodramatic special effects and coup de theatres, it must be real for the play to live." In the SSU production, the title role will be played by Gregg Pica and his love interest/victim, Lucy Seward, by Megan Terrill. The ensemble cast also includes Jason LaGarde as Lucy's father, Dr. Seward; Ben Berchock as Lucy's fiance, John Harker; and Ben Rayne as Professor Van Helsing, the vampire expert summoned to save Lucy. Andy Levin portrays the fly-eating Renfield. The insane asylum attendant is Tim White and Pat Ambler-Perry is the Maid.

Scenic and lighting designer Gerald Patt is creating the medieval mansion-home of the Sewards. "Were endowing the production with the realism and truthfulness the play deserves," said Hepburn.

Tara Brady is stage manager, Jennifer Watkins her assistant. John Moller is master electrician. Jamie Lynn Smolian is costume shop assistant.

This season theater-goers may purchase and pick up their tickets during Box Office hours prior to show night. For Box Office information call 410-543-6228.

As a reminder, people with reservations may pick up their tickets during Box Office hours and one hour to 15 minutes prior to curtain. Reservations are held until 15 minutes prior to show time. Performances begin promptly. SSU faculty, staff and students may reserve tickets in advance. Tickets are $8 general admission, $6 for senior citizens and non-SSU students. SSU I.D. holders are admitted free.