Dracula

With the fall weather and Halloween around the corner, this is the perfect time for Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula to come to life; But bigger and scarier changes are coming to the University of Oklahoma’s Rupel J. Jones Theatre this weekend. Dracula is hitting the stage tonight with the most special effects ever used. This production will be the first time many of the cast and crew has ever worked with false stages, explosions, trap doors and the extensive lighting. This may also be their last. 


This elaborate production is sure to keep the audience scared and hanging on to their seats, which is exactly what the cast and crew are aiming for. “Some people won’t want to come see it,” said director Tom Orr. “Everyone enjoys a thrill, but you’re not going to enjoy Dracula unless you want the hairs on your back to stand up.”


 Orr has had this idea for the past four years. To be able to put on such an extensive show, a professional team worked throughout the summer on special effects and stages. Some stages were completed but the special effects were nowhere close to being done.  “Special effects are still being completed today,” said Orr. The actors had to be back in school a week before the rest of the campus to get started on their roles.


Not only is the production a giant step with special effects, but also many of the actors are finding new and challenging roles in Dracula. “I’ve always played a drunk or a funnier role,” said Brad Brockman, acting junior. “Dracula’s suave, dark and a very powerful person, which is nothing like me.” He said that because Dracula is such a powerful man, he needs a dominant, stiff posture, which is sometimes hard to maintain especially with the elaborate costumes.


Even some of the smallest costume changes can be the most challenging during the show. “I have two transformations during the show, which includes changing out my contacts,” said Brockman. This additional change can sometimes be difficult because he has to deal with the make-up, dirt and sweat getting in his eyes as he changes his completely white colored contacts. “I wasn’t able to see for a while during rehearsals,” said Brockman. Although there are various obstacles throughout the show, Brockman says he is excited about creating something new and gaining a new experience that will help him when he gets out of school.


Every play this year will have it’s own unique aspect to it, so we will not know what to expect until the next show comes around. Orr does say that this show will be the only one of its' kind, simply because Dracula demands the extra effects to make Bram Stoker's novel come to life; So you might want to check it out while you can. The shows will be at 8 pm September 29, 30, and October 1; 3pm September 25 and October 2 at the Rupel J. Jones Theater.