The Clarion

Issue date: 10/28/09 Section: Entertainment

I recall a film called "Ed Wood," released in 1994, directed by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp and Martin Landau. In one memorable scene, Landau, playing Bela Legosi (the iconic Dracula star of the old Universal monster-movie days), says to Depp, "If you vant to make-out vith the yunk lady take her to see dwacula."

Madison Area Technical College's play of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" is no exception to this peculiar recommendation. I'm not condoning public displays of affection in the Mitby Theater of course, but this is a romantic and sexy play that will certainly impress your boyfriend or girlfriend more than taking him or her to see a venal horror film like "Saw 27" (or whatever it's up to now).

For those of you already familiar with the Stoker novel, Hammer films, Legosi, Langella or Vampirella you already know what I impart. When you put aside the crosses, the European countryside, the garlic, the wine, coffins and all the other mythology, Dracula is about seduction. For example: just imagine for a moment, you lying at home in your teenage bed, and through the window comes the boy or girl of your dreams, you invite him or her in (big mistake by the way), then as he or she goes in to kiss you, they bite your neck! After the penetration, you lay there in your bed in a languorous mood, as if being completely sexually satisfied.

If you liked this aspect of Stoker's book of delicate, sexy fun you will be pleased with the players who stage a play written by Stephen Dietz and directed by Mike Lussenden. The cast themselves are handsome, romantic and passionate in their performances. According to director Lussenden, the student leaders of SAB Performing Arts examined several scripts of "Dracula." "They really did a nice job convincing me that students at MATC could harness the talent to stage the Stephen Dietz script," he said.

However, those looking for action, blood, crosses and humor will also be satisfied. Be prepared for show stopping scenes from Spencer White, who gives a strident performance as Dr. Van Helsing. Scenes that feel subtle in the book, like Lucy going after her fiancée Dr. Seward (Goldamming in the book), are made theatrical in this play.

According to Lussenden many of the players are new to MATC like Kassandra Kingery (Mina), Carolyn Gibbs (Vixen) and Sam Lewis (Dr. Seward). As for first-timers, Molly Shulman, who plays an appropriately charming Lucy, takes to the stage for the very first time.

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