"How eerie and
disturbing… that’s what went through my mind as we entered the theatre and
were faced with the “lifelike, and seemingly, lifeless” form of David
Bissett as Renfield, in a tuxedo with blood soaked collar seated at a table
on stage. He maintained this mannequin-like stillness of his character
until curtain time. David’s portrayal of the madman, Renfield, was
outstanding, and if I didn’t know him personally, I would swear that he was
“sanity-challenged.” He played his heart out and was the most convincing
lunatic I have experienced since Anthony Hopkins played Hannibal Lector in
“Silence of the Lambs.”
Rick Billings WAS Dracula. He wore the role like a glove, adding just the appropriate amount of
sexiness and closely-guarded compassion for his victims. I enjoyed his use of costumes to play the Count with an air of romanticism.
His flourishes and hand gestures as he coaxed his victims into
submission were hypnotic.
Another outstanding performance was created by Chris Higgins, who could have stepped right out of the
pages of an 1885 novel. Not only was he convincing as Harker, the
love interest of Mina, the star heroine’s best friend, but he has
acquired “the look” of an aristocratic gentleman, who would have
been very comfortable in that period of history. The chemistry
between him and co-star, Katie Combs Meldrum, was electric and so
real, at times I felt like I was an eavesdropper on their private
conversations.
Rebecca Ferguson, as Lucy, the female lead in Dracula, was not only beautiful, and graceful, but the
perfect victim. I found myself hoping that she would not succumb to
the wiles of the evil vampire, Dracula, as I thought this might lead
to her being carried off stage prematurely in a pine box. Just the
opposite happens, and the plot thickens. She is a delightful young
actress and so much fun to watch.
This is a sterling production. The set is innovative, with special effects employed that in previous
years would have been unimaginable. An atmosphere was created that
not only entertains you, but leaves you clutching the armrests for
fear you will slide off the edge of your seat. This is a gripping,
heart-pounding, saga, that will leave you not only remembering to
close your windows at night, but also giving you something to talk
about for months and, maybe years, to come.
Many talented people got together with enthusiasm and foresight to create one of the greatest
productions in Wimberley Playhouse history.
As I walked to the parking lot after curtain call and congratulating the cast and crew, I thought I heard
a soft fluttering of bat wings, a chill swept the night air, and I got goose bumps. This show will keep you looking over your
Expect the unexpected! Dracula is the perfect pre-Halloween season show. You just can’t afford to
miss something this spectacular!"
Linda Addeo
For those wishing to view something this Halloween season filled with
horror, Wimberley Players, Dracula is for you. Yet this particular
presentation is a story filled with love, redemption, horror and loss among
many other themes. I typically do not offer reviews on plays I have viewed
except certain things to certain actors or to tell people to see or to pass
on certain shows. In the last year I have seen only one show more than once
- the Gilbert and Sullivan Society in Austin presentation of The Pirates of
Penzance and now I am sure Dracula.
This show deserves as much of an audience as it can
hold. I was invited to see the preview of this show tonight and on a strong
recommendation of a cast member decided to journey to see it - usually I
wait to see a show - This one was ready from beginning to end. The strong
acting, costumes which were so within the proper period, directing, lights
were all good - visually and sound wise you need to pay attention to be awe
struck by what you see.
Special notes that Rick Billings was dead on for
Dracula, the charm and horror wrapped together were about as fine a role I
had seen. I have equal praise for the talents of Katie Combs Meldrum and
Rebecca Ferguson who illustrated strong willed, determined, lovely and
sympathetic characters of Mina and Lucy. David Bisett did as fine of an
acting role as I have seen of him and for me was Renfield, the madman. Chris
Higgins as Harker illustrated a range of character that offered a roller
coaster of emotion. Dan Williams brought a Van Helsing character to the
stage that fit the exact bill of what I think Bram Stoker intended. There
are other fine performances but there were no programs (only due to
preview).
Lastly I would say that the directer Lee Colee-Atnip
was able to bring from these gifted actors a show that only felt as a
community theatre piece when you are warmly greated after the show - I know
personally Lee can demand great things but that when great things happen -
bravo!
