Dracula
at Conestoga High School

Reviewed on November 22, 2014

Mary Liz White
Bordentown Regional High School
Submitted for publication to Inquirer-1

Crashing waves, rolling fog, and piercing screams--all of these effects and more immediately set the tone for Conestoga High School's genuinely frightening "Dracula". Set in an asylum and populated by creepy characters, this production is sure to thrill.

Little is lost in the translation of Conestoga's performance of William McNulty's stage adaption of Bram Stoker's classic 1897 novel. The plot follows a group of friend's attempt to avenge one of their fiancé's demise at the hands of Count Dracula and attempt to save their beloved companion, Lucy Westphal, from the same gruesome fate. A subplot involves a romance between two asylum employees, one under the hypnotic sway of Count Dracula himself. Throughout the play, the group is confronted with still-relevant questions about good, evil, and human nature.

Anchored by a beautiful Gothic set, the cast successfully fuses comedy and horror, with articulate execution of some darkly humorous lines. Also noteworthy is the fluidity and synchronization of the ensemble, comprised of the eerily made-up Brides of Dracula and inmates. Rarely do scare tactics descend into campiness, giving the audience an engaging experience.

True to her character, Sarah Whelan as Lucy is a standout. Her enunciation and movement is impeccable, and she gracefully transitions her character from innocent Victorian ingénue to sensual and demented slave of Dracula. Her timing and chemistry with Michael Godfrey's chilling Count Dracula adds drama and suspense.

Equally ensnared by the Count is Evan T. Haynos' Reinfield, an inmate at the asylum. Serving as comic relief with his deadpan delivery of the show's more disturbing lines, Haynos is fully invested in his role. With similar dedication, Noah Berkowitz's Van Helsing tempers the show's madness with a fatherly, unflappable demeanor.

Detailed makeup by students Alexis Colantuno, Charlotte Duffie-Fritz, and Faith Nee, coupled with realistic costuming, contribute to believability. The student-constructed set, as well, is true to its Victorian origins, and any changes are implemented with speed and accuracy by a commendable run crew. There is an impressive bit with telekinetically controlled doors. The lighting creates a eerie atmosphere. Despite its acrid smell, the employment of smoke and fog throughout the show adds a haunting touch.

Overall, the show is a fitting tribute to Stoker's age-old tale of good and evil. Committed acting and near-flawless effects made Conestoga's "Dracula" a real scream.

Cynthia Reynolds
Bordentown Regional High School
Submitted for publication to Inquirer-2

Blood curdling screams and blood sucking creatures enveloped the stage, and and a bloody good time was had by all at Conestoga High School's production of "Dracula".

Adapted from Bram Stoker's 1897 classic horror novel, Dracula is considered to be the original vampire story, it and was first brought to the Broadway stage in 1927. Given the world's current obsession with vampires in the entertainment industry, the play has not lost its bite and has been revamped many times since its original production.

Michael Godfrey sunk his teeth into the role of the chilling yet charming, caped Count Dracula. Godfrey brought life to the role of the undead through his body language and hypnotic tone of voice. The deductive doctor Abram Van Helsing played with precision by Noah Berkowitz was the expert on all things evil. Berkowitz succeeded in his portrayal of the professor, maintaining both his accent and composure throughout the performance, making him the wily foil to the Count.

Sarah Whelan's performance as female heroine Lucy Westphal was delightfully demure and wonderfully wicked, two traits not typically found together. Whelan's Transylvanian transformation from a lovely lady to a sensual blood-sucker, and back again, made her a standout.

Evan T. Haynos, as Robert Reinfield, brought a welcome infusion of humor to the dark world of Dracula with his comically creepy performance as the count's minion. Peter Brown's moving performance as the grieving fiancé, Dr. Thomas Seward, brought genuine emotion to the character. Also noteworthy was, Margaret Sullivan played by Deanna Drennen.

The real scene stealer of the show was the scenery itself crafted skillfully by the Conestoga Stage Crew, led by Jack Zabinski and Jeff Pepin. The set pieces were gorgeously gothic and masterfully manipulated throughout the production, adding dramatic weight to the performance. Christina LeFevre and Laura Stockler's special effects, specifically the thunder and lightning, electrified the show's dramatic moments perfectly.

Conestoga High School's performance of Dracula, was a spine tingling experience that proves a great show can, indeed, give you goose bumps.

Eli Russell
Abington Friends School
Submitted for publication to News of Delaware County

Dark storm clouds linger overhead as fog slowly envelops the stage at Conestoga High School. Suddenly, lightening flashes followed by a deafening boom of thunder! Three massive gravestones appear, encircled by a lively horde of the undead. This gloomy and spooky tone dominated Conestoga High School's bloodthirsty production of "Dracula."

Adapted by William McNulty from Bram Stoker's world-famous novel, "Dracula" follows Professor Abram Van Helsing and his colleagues as they hunt down the evil Count Dracula. Because the perilous vampire hunt takes place in an asylum in Victorian England, the characters are constantly forced to question their own sanity.

Strong performances and technical elements created a sense of imminent danger that pervaded Conestoga's production. Noah Berkowitz impressed the audience with his skillful characterization as the brave Abram Van Helsing. Michael Godfrey was terrifying as Count Dracula, slinking across the stage with the King of Vampire's trademark cool cruelty. Sarah Whelan gave a convincing performance as the possessed Lucy Westphal, while the dynamic Evan T. Haynos provided the show with some much-needed comic relief as the delusional Robert Renfield.

A solid supporting cast enhanced the show. Standout performances included Deanna Drennen and Owen Crowley for their impressive accent work. Asher Goldfinger beautifully contributed to the show as an onstage violinist. The cast as a whole worked together to produce a cohesive and compelling horror.

Strong technical elements bolstered the production. Apt details such as textured wall paint and a formidable portrait added to the professional-quality set. The lighting design contributed to the show's supernatural atmosphere. The able stage crew under the leadership of stage manager, Jeff Pepin, kept the show moving and smoothly navigated several difficult scene changes.

The students at Conestoga High School ultimately produced a bloodcurdling and engaging "Dracula" thanks to their mastery of the difficult characters and script.

Emily Hershgordon
Upper Dublin High School
Submitted for publication to The Ticket

Horrifying howls, penetrating fog, fear-stricken eyes, and dripping bloodstains are just a small taste of the gory feast that is Conestoga's "Dracula"!

Based on the classic novel by Bram Stoker, Dracula follows Dr. Seward's investigation of idiosyncratic behaviors of Mina Grant and later Lucy Westphal, with the guidance of Professor Abram Van Helsing. Upon learning Dracula's true identity and cause of the ladies' behavior and illness, the men begin a pursuit to kill Count Dracula once and for all.

Despite the hundreds of adaptations that preceded them, from Broadway, to film, to literature, Conestoga's cast made the show their own while maintaining its core identity. The overall commitment to each character was evident, from the multifarious mannerisms to the vast range of shrieks and shrills.

Noah Berkowitz, who played Abram Van Helsing, proved to be the true heart of the show, as his commanding, mature presence balanced the youthful vulnerability of his counterparts. Also enticing Sarah Whelan, as Lucy Westphal, whose animated facial expressions and vocals drew audience members into the asylum. Michael Godfrey portrayed the title character, Dracula. His deep- toned voice and luring gestures pulled the audience under his influence along with the inmates.

Bobby Pragada, as Monster, added to the frightening ambiance, swiftly gracing the stage and evoking fearful expressions from his victims. Equally unnerving were the Brides of Dracula; they slithered through complex formations and helped to balance the otherwise innocent female figures present throughout the play.

Yet this show would not have been complete without the innovative technical aspects, which added dimension and flair to the chilling production. The audiovisuals were spectacular, from booming gunshots and thumping heartbeats imagined by Callum Hunter and Dabin Yi, to the rolling clouds and flashes of lightning executed by Christina LeFebvre and Laura Stockler. Even secondary aspects made lasting impressions; the ominous shadow, which served as the backdrop, consistently maintained the sense of the looming unknown. Nothing, though, was as memorable as the makeup. The range of colors and textures was remarkable and truly brought the ghastly characters to life.

Conestoga High School's "Dracula" was a thrilling rollercoaster ride filled with surprising twists and turns. This ride is surely one that you, or your beating heart and eardrums, will never forget.