If you ask me…
– Tom Holehan
The wolves are howling, the fog is surrounding the stage and the decibel level is way past 10 at the Hartford Stage currently presenting the American premiere of “Dracula”, a feminist take on the off-told tale about the bloodsucker from Transylvania. Bring earplugs.
Adapted by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel, this new “Dracula” is directed in a presentational style by a company of 6 actors playing various roles in conveying the familiar tale. A powerhouse by the name of Sara Gutierrez leads the company commanding the stage and rarely taking a breath for the 90-minute running time. She’s impressive even as you fear her voice may not endure the rigors of performance. She is backed up by a talented ensemble and a magnificent team of magicians behind-the-scenes who include Riw Rackkulchon (scenic design), Fabian Fidel Aguilar (costumes), Paul Whitaker (lights) and Caroline Eng (sound).
So why didn’t this “Dracula” work for me? It comes down to a script lacking in coherence and the ability to scare. Under Jackson Gay’s tireless direction there are lots of people screaming on stage, a ton of dry ice employed to create a spooky atmosphere, some creepy creatures in shadowy lighting and wolves howling throughout. But nothing really registers because we ultimately don’t care. I was bored by the tiresome storytelling and lost the thread of the plot about midpoint of the play. The ending is truly a head-scratcher. This is particularly disappointing given the high production values and the immense talent of everyone involved. The bloodsucker deserves better.
“Dracula” continues at continues at Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street in Hartford, Connecticut through November 1, 2026. For further information or ticket reservations call the theatre box office at: 860.527.515 or visit: www.hartfordstageorg.
Tom Holehan is one of the founders of the Connecticut Critics Circle, a frequent contributor to WPKN Radio’s “State of the Arts” program and the Stratford Crier and Artistic Director of Stratford’s Square One Theatre Company. He welcomes comments at: tholehan@yahoo.com. His reviews and other theatre information can be found on the Connecticut Critics Circle website: www.ctcritics.org.
