"Darkness Descends in Ogden As a Riveting Dracula Takes the Stage"

   I'll admit it- I usually pass on seeing straight plays in favor of a good musical. But after hearing  all of the raving reviews of last year's production of Dracula at Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden, I knew I had to see what all of the excitement was surrounding this show when it returned to Ogden, and it more than lived up to the hype. This production proved to me that sometimes skipping the big dance and musical numbers is absolutely worth it. I am absolutely thrilled that this is my first straight play I've ever reviewed.

   This cast was absolutely phenomenal. Every single cast member stood out in the best way and added so many layers to the whole show. Our title character, Dracula (Connor Padilla), plays a menacing and evil Dracula with a bit of humor mixed in here and there which creates an even more thrilling level added onto the character. From the very first moment he stepped onto that stage, the audience was terrifyingly entrapped for the night. Chad Brown as Jonathan Harker had a gripping and haunting fall into the madness of the character which created both a believable and deeply affected raw emotional clarity throughout the show. An unforgettable depiction of Renfield was chillingly unhinged and was perfectly emobodied by Brandon Garside, who also had the most haunting laugh that not only could send shivers down anyone's spine, but it also lingered long after the curtain falls. Lucy (Maura Gardner) and Mina (Jordan Clark) are the anchor of the emotional core of Dracula. These two characters add texture to the piece and provide a compelling contrast. Lucy's innocence and romantic spirit heightens the plot and the tragedy of her own fate as Gardner showed the true vulnerability of Lucy that, in turn, makes her fall even more heartbreaking. Meanwhile, Mina's intelligence and quiet strength grounds the story in humanity as Clark allowed her characters courage and composure to lend a hand in the plays emotional depth. Valerie Packer as Professor Van Helsing brought a sharp intellect and commanding presence which made her a steady beacon amid the darkness of the show and other characters. 

   Not only was this show cast perfectly, but every single technical aspect of the show was VERY well done. The set design by Wendall Peery instantly pulled me as well as other audience members in. The gothic atmosphere of the set adds to the sense that the castle itself is watching and waiting with every set piece, light cue, and sound. With cobwebs draped around every corner, old paintings, and even a pipe organ that set the tone for every chilling moment. Flashes of illumination worked towards heightening the tension you feel throughout the show as each lighting cue felt deliberate and drew the audience deeper into this eerie, yet mesmerizing gothic world of the play. 

   Dracula delivers EVERYTHING a gothic thriller should- terror, passion, and beauty engulfed in shadow. Under the brilliant direction of Maddie Tarbox, this cast and crew is a shining example of what local theatre can do when talent and passion meet. It's a thrilling, unforgettable show, and I'm already excited to catch it next year on this stage! Hurry and get tickets fast as this production only runs until October 20th. The powerful storytelling this production offers is well worth sinking your teeth into.