Rachel Holt as Lucy and Samuel Douglas Clark as Dracula in East Lynne Theater Company’s production of “Dracula.” Photo credit: Gayle Stahlhuth
On Friday, August 26, there will be an American Sign Language Interpretation of “Dracula” produced by the award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company.
Since the early 1990’s, ELTC has scheduled ASL performances. Gina Lanza, a frequent ELTC interpreter, and Amy Anderson who teaches ASL at Ocean City High School, are the interpreters. The process involves them seeing the production, studying the script and figuring out who will interpret which roles.
Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” has remained popular since it first appeared in bookstores in 1897. Stoker tried to get his theatrical adaptation produced, but it was Hamilton Deane who brought his own version to the London stage in 1924. Before opening on Broadway in 1927, John L. Balderston was hired to revise it. Bela Lugosi played the title role. In 1977, Frank Langella played Dracula in the Broadway revival.
“Dracula” is thrilling fun for the whole family. It begins with Dr. Seward’s daughter, Lucy, suffering from anemia. Dr. Van Helsing suspects Lucy might be the victim of a vampire. Her troubles seem to have begun with the arrival of Count Dracula.
The cast includes ELTC favorites Samuel Douglas Clark, James Rana, Thomas Raniszewski, Evan Smilyk and Robert LeMaire. New to ELTC are Rachel Holt, Matthew Lindsay Payne and Tara Reuter. Gayle Stahlhuth is the director.
“Dracula” runs Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St., through September 3. Tickets range from $17-$32, and ages 12 and under are free. For information/reservations, call (609) 884-5898 or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org.