Count Dracula takes the stage as Goderich Little Theatre brings gothic horror to The Livery
By: Victoria Makcrow
As the crisp October winds sweep off Lake Huron and autumn shadows lengthen across the Square, Goderich Little Theatre (GLT) is preparing to transport audiences into the darkest corners of Victorian Gothic horror.
Opening October 22 at the historic Livery Theatre, William McNulty’s action-packed adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula promises an edge-of-your-seat theatrical experience.
Directed by Colleen Caesar, this production leans into the thrilling, visceral nature of Stoker’s legendary tale.
Forget the quiet, slow-burn melodrama of classic adaptations, McNulty’s script speeds through the narrative with high-stakes tension, rich atmospheric dread, and a relentless battle between light and darkness.
Accentuated by atmospheric soundscapes crafted by Musical Director Cappy Onn, the show creates an immersive experience that will keep audience members on the edge of their seats.
“Dracula has been a play that I have been thinking about staging for a few years now.” says Director, Colleen Caesar.
“Timing and the right team came together to set things in motion, and I am so very excited for audiences to come and experience this show. The overall goal of our team was to create a production that sucks the audience in and makes them feel as if they are in a horror story. This is not a romantic Dracula; this is the evil presence that lurks in the shadows, that uneasy feeling and that sends chills down your spine.”
Caesar says that everyone who is working on this show is fantastic from the production team, actors, behind the scenes people - they are what makes seeing a show at The Little Theatre such a special experience. Caesar is hopeful this is an experience that audience members will talk about for years to come.
Leading the talented ensemble as the sinister and alluring Count Dracula is Art James, whose commanding presence anchors the darkness descending upon Victorian England. Opposite him, making an exciting debut on The Livery stage, is Mark Starratt in the pivotal role of the relentless vampire hunter, Abram Van Helsing.
The story follows solicitor Jonathan Harker, portrayed by Ben Hustis, whose ill-fated trip to Castle Dracula sets off a nightmare that reaches the shores of England. Siwi Vodden stars as Mina Grant alongside Samantha Moon as the vulnerable Lucy Westphal, both caught in the Count's predatory sights.
Rounding out the cast of compelling characters are:
Brian Cox as Dr. Seward and love of Mina
Ian Rutherford as the unhinged, bug-eating Renfield
Jesse Gill as Norbert Briggs, the asylum’s caretaker
Mandy Levencrown as Margaret Sullivan, Dr. Seward’s assistant
Paul Cook as The Monster
Catie Cochrane-Chick, Rebecca Lowey, and Danyelle Kuhl as the seductive and deadly Brides of Dracula
Amilia Cook and Violet Thompson, who share the role of The Child
Whether you are a lifelong fan of gothic literature or looking for the ultimate Halloween outing, GLT’s production of Dracula is a must-see community event.
Details & Tickets
Where: The Livery Theatre, Goderich
When: Wed. Oct. 21 PWYW, 8 p.m., Oct. 22 - 24 and Oct. 29 - 31 at 8 p.m., Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Online at www.thelivery.ca Box Office opens Tues. Oct. 6 (Tues and Fri. at 10 a.m. -1 p.m., and Wed. and Thurs. at 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
Seating is limited for this highly anticipated run, tickets first come first seated and are expected to sell quickly as Halloween approaches. Bring your courage, leave your wooden stakes at home, and secure your seats today for an unforgettable night of classic horror.
Thank you to our Season Sponsor The Rotary Club of Goderich and our Production Sponsor 2nd Streetlight Estate Winery, without them we couldn’t do what we do to entertain you.
Victoria Makcrow is the Dracula Production Manager for GLT at The Livery
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