Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, October 11, 1993 TAG: 9311170241
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: ABINGDON LENGTH: Medium
This version of the classic horror story takes place after the events described by the various diaries and records in Bram Stoker's novel. Rather than being set in Transylvania and England just before the turn of the century, this play takes place in 1927 in a rural area in the southeastern United States.
It was adapted from the novel by Richard Rose, who is winding up his first season as Barter's artistic director. Rose is also directing the play.
''Dracula!'' opens Wednesday, Oct. 13, and will continue through Nov. 6.
Michael Rogers, an actor with theater, film and television credits, plays Count Dracula. It is an unusual bit of casting for a black actor in the role associated with European actors such as Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee and, in the most recent move, Gary Oldman.
Michael Louden, whose credits include the role of Duke on the TV series ''As the World Turns,'' plays Jonathan Harker.
Three actors from previous Barter productions also appear: Ken Costigan, who directed more than 30 Barter plays in the past 20 years; Lorraine Morgan, who appeared in such Barter plays as ``I Ought to be in Pictures'' and ``Quilters'' and Randall Rapstine, who played Tito Merelli in Barter's comedy hit this season, ``Lend Me a Tenor.''
But the biggest casting surprise may be the actor playing Dracula's nemesis, Professor Van Helsing - a role played in movies by Edward Van Sloan, Peter Cushing, Laurence Olivier and Anthony Hopkins.
That usually dour role will be played by Kathy Lee Hart, whose career highlights include appearances on TV comedy specials and stand-up comedy.
The play will be performed for school groups on weekdays, and to the general public Thursday through Saturday evenings and afternoon shows Wednesday and Saturday. There will also be a special Halloween performance at 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
School performances sold out within two weeks after the student matinee schedule was announced, Rose said, and reservations for the other shows are coming in fast.
``This is our last show of the season, and public performances are limited,'' he said. ``We cannot emphasize enough the need to make your plans and your reservations as soon as possible.''
Further information and reservations are available by calling toll-free 1-800-368-3240.
by CNB