Theatre Woodstock presents a gothic romance production highlighting vocal talent

Derek Dysieveck, left, will play Count Dracula and with James Callaghan taking on the role of Johnathan. (Emily Stewart Photo)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Just in time for Halloween, Theatre Woodstock will kick off its 2026/2027 season with Dracula: The Chamber Musical - the first of three musicals on the docket.

The show will run from Oct. 16 to Oct. 25 and is based on the classic Bram Stoker novel, the musical by playwright Richard Ouzounian and composer Marek Norman. It follows Count Dracula’s travels from Transylvania to England as a solicitor escapes his capture and a group under Dr. Van Helsing’s leadership run to stop Count Dracula from preying on Lucy Westenra.

“It's going to be different from what they expect from a musical. It's going to be gothic, and sexy, and moody so I think it will be exciting and different and showcases the talent that we have in Oxford County,” said director Kim DiLello.

The musical production stays true to Stoker’s novel, so the portrayal is more of a tragic romance rather than other depictions of Count Dracula that are more comedic.

"It's not campy and it's not fluffy. It's definitely a love story,” said DiLello.

"There's definitely a lot of tragedy,” added stage manager Karen Vance. “Their voices give me chills."

Under the musical direction of Shannon Wijnker, who oversaw the production in Petrolia, there are seven singers performing the songs that carry out the story including actors who appeared in other widely attended previous Theatre Woodstock musicals like Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Cabaret, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Dracula: A Chamber Musical is DiLello’s first musical production as a director.

"It's very exciting,” said DiLello. “It's definitely a big learning curve but we have such stunning voices and Shannon's fantastic at directing."

Tickets are $32 each and can either be bought at the box office on 22 Reeve St. by calling 519-537-2582, or online by visiting https://theatrewoodstock.com.