By George S. Lilly

On April 25-27, the GSC theatre program will be showing their production of Dracula. They have been rehearsing the production for five weeks now, having started in March. Last semester, a poll was put on Facebook for those involved with theatre to decide on what play to do, and Dracula was chosen. Since there is no actual theatre major at Glenville, the cast is made up of 14 community members and students with a variety of majors including forensics and art majors, as well as oral communication minors.

The play will utilize an entire special effects crew, including set designers and special effects make-up artists, who are perfecting the recipes for several different types of fake blood. The students designed nine different locations, which will be projected onto a handmade backdrop. This particular version of the play was written in the 90s. It is an updated version of one written in the 20s. Back in the 20s, shocking people and suspense was easier, but we have become a bit desensitized. This version had a lot more onstage violence and blood.

Dracula is always on stage in one form or another either as the monster or as Count Dracula. A lot of the suspense comes from whether he appears as the suave count or as a monster. The monster can scare, but the Count can manipulate. It is a metaphor for controlling and manipulative personalities.

Performances will be on April 25, 26, and 27. General admission is $5, but students and faculty (sponsored by Dr. Gary Morris) will be free. The show will be at the President’s Auditorium in the administration building.