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The vampires are circling just in time for Halloween as Leamington’s The Bank Theatre presents a chilling reimagining of the classic horror tale Dracula.
A Sun Parlour Players production, which opens Friday, is based on the novel by Bram Stoker and remains faithful to the essence of Stoker’s iconic story.
Director Corey Robertson brings to life the eerie journey of Count Dracula as he arrives in England and settles near an insane asylum overseen by the well-meaning yet oblivious Dr. Seward.
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The story unfolds as a determined Professor Van Helsing must convince Dr. Seward of Dracula’s true nature, while the beautiful Lucy Westenra’s striking resemblance to a long-lost love ignites Count Dracula’s obsession.
Adding to the intrigue are three female vampires who weave a tapestry of danger and desire.
The cast includes Dean Valentino as Dracula and Emma Truswell as Miss Lucy Westenra.
“We are welcoming seasoned actors, youth actors and debuting actors to The Bank Theatre stage, many of whom are from Windsor and Essex County as well as Leamington,” Robertson said in a news release.
“It is a great cast that I am very proud to work with.”
As the plot thickens, exhilarating twists that have made this tale a cornerstone of horror culminate in a shocking double twist that’s meant to leave viewers breathless.
Robertson said Count Dracula and the concept of vampires are deeply woven into the cultural fabric, evoking images of ghouls, castles and the haunting cries of the night.
But at its core, Dracula is not just a horror story, it is a tragic love story.
Vlad Dracula, a real historical figure, fought valiantly to protect his homeland and his beloved, Robertson explained.
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His transformation into the vampire recognized today is steeped in sorrow and rage, driven by a heart-wrenching loss that curses him to wander the earth in search of his lost love for eternity.
“Immerse yourself in the lore and characteristics of vampires,” Roberston said. “They are powerful beings, able to transform into bats or wolves, and reliant on the life force of others to sustain themselves.
“Yet, they are bound by rules — sunlight and blessed objects are their enemies, while their demise requires a stake through the heart and garlic to seal their fate.
“Let the darkness envelop you and may the story linger long after the final curtain falls.”
Performances run Oct. 25, 26, 31, Nov. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., matinees Oct. 26, 27 and Nov. 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Audience members are encouraged to dress up throughout the run with a Halloween costume contest Oct. 31.
The Bank Theatre is located at 10 Erie St. S., Leamington.
Tickets are $25, at The Bank Theatre box office, 10 Erie St. S., Leamington — hours are Thursday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — or online at banktheatre.com.
Tickets can also be purchased 30 minutes before show time if not sold out.
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