A show featuring five actors, dozens of characters, and countless costume changes is performing right now at Orlando Shakes, and it’s perfect for audiences of all blood types.
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” takes the classic vampire story and turns it into a fast-paced comedy.
The show is sponsored by Santiago Corral and Ron Ginsburg and written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen. Greenberg also directed the play.
What makes this show especially interesting is that four of the five actors play multiple characters, sometimes switching between completely different personalities in a matter of moments.
The show had its cast in April, so the actors had the summer to prepare. Rehearsals started in September. Trevor Spence plays Jonathan Harker along with a few other characters.
“Playing different characters is one of the best parts about this show. I love it when I get to exit the scene as Harker, do a quick-change, and almost immediately enter as someone completely different and zany,” said Spence.
“By my count, I play around six different characters with six distinct voices and physical postures, so it’s a fun challenge,” he explained.
Regina Fernandez plays Lucy Westfeldt and a few other characters as well. She shared how she’s able to quickly flip to a new character during the show.
“We are really lucky to have a wonderful team supporting all of us. From our quick change heroes, Jackie Sanchez and Gabby Deprizio, to our dialect coach, Lori Engler, who walked us through our different voices, to our director, Jim Helsinger, who guided our journey, we were fully supported,” said Fernandez.
She explained how her experience helps too.
“I also have a background in repertory theater work where I would be rehearsing one play during the day and performing a completely different play that night. Then after all of the shows were open, I would find myself playing a different character every night for months. Sometimes I wouldn’t know who I was playing until I showed up in my dressing room that night.”
Filled with witty wordplay, pop culture references, and nods to Mel Brooks and Monty Python, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” is a 2-hour, quick-changing reimagining of the gothic classic.
“There’s something really earnest at the heart of this play. Underneath all the blood and the bats, and in our show, the gags and glitter, ‘Dracula’ is really a story about having the courage to be the human you truly are,” said Spence.
The show is rated PG-13. Children under 10 will not be admitted to the theater. However, if you’re looking for a show for the kids, “Corduroy” is also performing at Orlando Shakes through Nov. 8.
For more information on “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” and to purchase tickets, visit the Orlando Shakes website.