Students get into Halloween spirit with classic horror play
Looking for something (or someone) to sink your teeth into this Halloween?
Bossier Parish Community College’s Cavalier Players have conjured up a wickedly good version of the classic vampire thriller, Dracula. It’s a production the cast said is sure to give audiences a chill and many more thrills.
The story begins with Dr. Seward’s discovery that his daughter, Lucy Seward, has been attacked by a mysterious illness. Dr. Seward, who owns and operates a sanatorium, calls upon Dr. Abraham Van Helsing to determine what is wrong with his dear Lucy.
It is then that Van Helsing uncovers the truth behind Lucy’s illness; he believes that she is the victim of a vampire attack. However, it’s not just any vampire.
Lucy has had an encounter with Count Dracula, a ghostly being that sucks the blood from his victims at night. Dracula’s powers of seduction are irresistible, but Van Helsing vows to end his seemingly immortal existence on Earth.
The cast features Sam Copeland as Count Dracula; Jesse Kortus as Dr. Abraham Van Helsing; Taylor Green as Lucy Seward; Tegan Godfrey as Jonathan Harker; Sam Condon as Dr. Seward.
Standing at six feet, seven inches tall, Copeland said he uses his height as an advantage with his character. His portrayal of Dracula is one he calls “fresh.”
“It’s a very intimidating part because vampires are incredibly popular in pop culture today,” he said. “Dracula is a manipulative and powerful character who thinks very highly of himself. I took that idea and made it something unique for this show.”
Green, a first year theater student, said her role as Lucy means is one of a frail and innocent girl. As the show progresses, the audience will realize that her sweet nature doesn’t stand a chance against Dracula’s ways.
“He manipulates her and lust takes over,” she said. “I love performing and this show has been a lot of fun. It just takes a little imagination and creativity.”
The cast of Dracula also includes Austin Jennings as Reinfield; Elise Birmingham as Miss Wells; Johnny Marley as a frustrated attendant in the sanatorium. Residents of the sanatorium and minions to Dracula include Brittanie Custer, Ryan Thompson, Lari Leber, Jamie Johnstone, Lauren Rogers, Dalton Witte, Allison Miller, Keiandre Harper, Ardesya Haley, Jay Allen, Denise Dalton, Conner Snow, Robin Carlisle, Bregon Webb, Elizabeth Jones, and Luke Digilormo.
Dr. Ray Scott Crawford, dean of BPCC’s Communication and Performing Arts, will direct the play with set design by David White; costume design by Rona Leber; lighting design by Keith Bruce; and prop design by Jonathon Offut. Stage managers are theatre students Matt Lorenz and Grady Savant.
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17-19 and 23-26 then at 2 p.m. Oct. 20 and 27 at BPCC’s Performing Arts Theatre, 6220 E. Texas St. in Bossier City. This production is rated “M” for mature audiences because of the subject matter and adult situations.
Tickets for Dracula may be reserved now online at http://www.bpcc.edu/theatre/dracula13/ticketreservation.html. Reserved ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, military, and non-BPCC students. For more information, call the Performing Arts program of Bossier Parish Community College at 318-678-6021.
Comments are closed.