Theater review: Dracula, a Comedy of Terrors

                      Gimel Jiménez and Drew Droege (I think)

What can I say about a crazy, mixed-up show like The Old Globe’s latest effort?

Well, what would you expect to say about that lunatic Dracula, anyway, and with playwright Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen putting their pens to the story, setting it in the Harvey White in-the-round space and adding outrageous clothes and lines that you never heard Dracula or anybody else say…..get ready to guffaw the whole 90-minute time.

It won’t hurt if you have a nice stiff drink before you sit down, and it won’t matter if you lose track of who’s who when some of the cast members change clothes and personalities so that you’re not quite sure who or what is who. Or what.

Got it? 

Bravi tutti, first to the crazy cast consisting of Actors’ Equity members Drew Droege (Mina, Van Helsing and others), Gimel Jiménez, (Lucy and others), George Krissa (playing the Big D), Linda Mugleston (Dr. Westfeldt, Renfield and others) and Brady Dalton Richards (Harker and others.

The loony costumes designed by Tristan Raines (check that guy with the red hair and goofy dress in the photo) will keep you at least giggling, as will the lighting design (yeah, lights matter to this Dracula gang). 

And oh yeah, the original music by Victoria Deiorio just goes on and…well, you can guess. But better you go and see/hear this 90-minute lunacy in person. Just get ready for strobe lighting, mild language, mild violence and mature themes.

The show opened on Sept. 26 and was extended for a third week before it opened, so I’m not sure exactly  when it’s shutting down, but grab your ticket now just in case.

Remember, this is The Old Globe, so free parking is available throughout the park. Valet parking is also available ($22 for pre-purchase or $25 for drive-up, evenings only.

The box office (619) 234-5623 is open from Tuesday through Sunday from noon to final curtain.

The performance schedule is this: Tuesday through Thursday at 7 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday and 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.

Other events: Post-Show Forum events will be held on Tuesday, October 1; Tuesday, October 8; and Wednesday, October 9 (evening performance). The LGBTQIA+ Theatre Night is scheduled for Friday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m. 

There’s not much more to say except Don’t Miss This Show.