Albuquerque & Santa Fe - "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors"

Regional Reviews: Albuquerque/Santa Fe

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Albuquerque Little Theatre
Review by Carole C. Sullivan

Courtesy of Albuquerque Little Theatre

Albuquerque Little Theatre has found a type of show that works well for them. Heretofore, they were most known for large productions with big casts, often musicals. In these times of less funding, as companies pull themselves out of the COVID recession, mounting several large shows back-to-back is difficult. Instead, ALT has chosen to follow a large show, like their recent Jesus Christ Superstar, with a small cast, non-musical, clever comedy. Their previous The 39 Steps was such a show.

by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen's Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is a fast-moving, silly comedy with a clever script and a versatile cast that transforms Bram Stoker's horror classic into pure fun and games. It is full of cleverness, word play, and pop culture references. The play is created in the spirit of satire and parody, and is a lightning-fast, laugh-out-loud comedy.

Five talented actors perform all the roles in a comedic, speedy romp through all the well-known tropes of this supernatural tale. Director Rob Sisneros has cast experienced actors and given them specific directions that make this farce crackle with fun.

Isaac Carrillo is an outstanding, sexy Dracula who displays talented physical comedy chops. Devoney Wilhite, principally as Lucy, is the perfect ingenue with a brain. Kristen Walsh handles what seems like a multitude of roles with ease, as does Jacob Chavez. Brent Whitted brings British panto hilarity to his gender-bending roles. The cast works well together as an ensemble and their delight in performing is contagious. Everyone on stage and in the audience has a good time.

The physical aspects of the production are serviceable. The unit set provides all the necessary playing areas for the many quick scenes. The set is appropriately stark for Dracula's castle and Lucy's country home. Costumes are well done, especially considering the many quick changes called for. The sound effects and music are very precise and used to comic effect. The lighting was hit and miss at the performance I attended.

Albuquerque Little Theatre's building is a great brick box of WPA vintage. The company is celebrating its 95th anniversary. The playing area behind the proscenium is quite a distance from the audience. For these more intimate plays, finding a way to bring the action nearer the house would increase acoustic and visual clarity.

Overall, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is a very funny and fun entertainment for the Halloween season. The two-acts fly by. You will have a Draculitious time!

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors runs through October 27, 2024, at the Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale, Albuquerque, NM 87104. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $32-$35. For tickets and information, please visit: albuquerquelittletheatre.org or call 505-242-4750.

Directed by Robb Sisneros, Stage Manager, Vicki Singer, Lighting by Ryan Jason Cook, Set Design by Jason Roman, Sound Design by Lando Ruiz, Costume Design by Eden Resnik. Cast: Isaac Carrillo, Kristen Walsh, Devoney Wilhite, Brent Whitted, and Jacob Chavez.