Tonight I attended a showing of Club Diversity Theater Company’s Dracula.
The play by Steven Dietz is well written and with the typical creative and polished production by Club D and director Ryan Scarlatta the evening was entirely enjoyable. The setting is very intimate and the third wall is virtually non-existent in this setting; drawing you into the story and the action.

As usual the actors in this production are some of Central Ohio’s finest talent. Amy Lang plays Lucy, the doomed lover of both Dr. Seward and Count Dracula. This role has been played by some of the finest actresses of our times but Ms Lang plays the role completely over the top as a burlesque character of a Victorian female. This audacity is countered by the fine and understated portrayal of Mina by Nicolette Montana. The women might carry the show but many scenes are stolen by the, forgive the pun, deadpan performance by Brent Alan Burington as the count himself. Another highlight is the brilliant rendition of Renfield by Adam Conn, a perfect psychopath if ever there was one.

The main cast is rounded out by Jon Collura as Dr. Seward, Daniel Ellson as Jonathan Harker, and Dustin Harding as Abraham Van Helsing. There were a few flaws in the accents but they were more than compensated for by the fantastic special effects. The sets are sparse but appropriate. There is an obvious lacking of chemistry between the lead couples, but considering the era the play is set in the coldness seems almost appropriate. A wonderful way to celebrate Halloween - go see this fantastic local production with your friends and co-workers.

DRACULA is showing Oct. 31 featuring an audience costume contest, Nov. 1 & 2, Nov. 3 with a midnight audience costume contest, and Nov. 8-10 with an extra matinee showing on the 10th. If you are unable to attend a showing of Dracula check out one of Club D Theater Company’s other upcoming shows. Wednesday, November 21 Club Diversity hosts as the The Puppet-Queers Present FRUITCAKE. Filthy fun for the holidays! Full of show tunes, naughty lyrics, puppets and fruity goodness! This is a one-night only event. A VERY, VERY SHOW-CHOIR CHRISTMAS will run select dates December 12th-29th. A great show for a different holiday outing, “if you thought "band nerds" were interesting, take a look at the show choir divas.”

The Spring 2008 line-up includes The Vagina Monologues in February, GodSpell in April, Hedwig and the Angry Inch in June, and Nunsense in August. Visit www.clubdiversity.com and click on Club D Theater to get specific show dates and to order your tickets. What better way to enjoy a taste of Columbus culture while supporting your local talent than to take in a show at Club Diversity. Located in German Village there are many fantastic restaurants and hotspots to enjoy before and after the show. Keep in mind; many of Club D Theater Co’s performances contain material best suited for mature audiences, so these events might be best planned for date night.

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Review by Linsey Griffith
Photos by David Heasley