DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS – Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen; Directed by Gordon Greenberg. Produced by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Cabaret (Presented at the Garner Galleria Theatre, 14th and Curtis, Denver) through May 10. Tickets available at 303-893-4100 or DenverCenter.org.
I’ll say this for him – Marco Alberto Robinson is the prettiest vampire you’ll ever see. And he knows it! He loves flaunting his super-naturally gorgeous physique. The shirt is off at the slightest suggestion. Move over, Tom Cruise. Marco’s in town! It doesn’t hurt that he has a wicked sense of humor, impeccable timing, and a self-deprecating attitude that delights.
The cast of this hysterically bloodthirsty comedy is bolstered by a number of equally pretty players, including Marco’s beautiful and talented wife, Adiane Leigh Robinson; Sean Scrutchins (no slouch in the looks department himself); the always hilarious Leslie O’Carroll; and the versatile cutesy pie, Zach Kononov. Between the five of them, they create at least a dozen wildly diverse characters and various sound effects. It’s a quick-change costume comedy aided and abetted by puppets, breakaway costumes, and (I’m guessing) a backstage crew of helpful hands.
A fast-moving show such as this, while listing no choreographer for dance moves, most certainly had one for costume changes. Unless you count getting out of his shirt and re-dressing, Dracula himself is the only one who doesn’t take part in this backstage tango. Probably because it would be impossible to quick-change those tight leather pants.
The story follows loosely the original Bram Stoker novel – for the most part. Being told by an abbreviated cast means that women play male characters and men don curly wigs throughout. Occasionally on stage. There are sight gags, double entendres galore, and enough naughtiness that it’s best to leave the kids at home for this one.
It takes a village to put up the simplest of shows. But this show ain’t simple. Even though it looks like the cast is doing most of the work, Stage Managers Alina Goodman is calling the shots from the booth while Kaden Dolph is keeping the backstage under control. To say nothing of the work that went into pulling the show together in the first place. The versatile set and the helpful puppets were designed by Tijana Bjelajac. There is original music and sound effects by Victoria Delorio, both were assisted by long-time DCPA designer Lisa Orzolek. The “easy on-easy off” costumes were designed by Tristan Raines, assisted by local designer Meghan Anderson Doyle. The whole shebang was kept moving and kept funny by the playwright Gordon Greenberg in the directing role. This is a village that worked well together with the cast to create an out-of-the ordinary production for the holiday season and beyond. Denver is blessed with a long run for this witty superlative comedy, giving everyone an ample opportunity to catch the fun. But no kidding – leave the kids at home.
A WOW FACTOR of 8.75!!