“DRACULA” IS CLEARLY OUT FOR BLOOD IN BERLIN

                        ALEX PAPACODA'S DRACULA

 With Halloween just around the corner, what better time to call up all your favorite friendly and unfriendly ghosts, ghouls and goblins.  The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin is ready, willing and most able to get you into the scary and spooky mood with a generous offering of that master monster “Dracula,” a dramatic thriller by John Mattera, based on the novel by Bram Stoker.  “Dracula” will be in his element weekends until Saturday, November 4.

While it’s one thing to be a gracious host and offer your guests a drink, it’s quite a goblet of another color when the host wants to use you as the source of his liquid refreshment. You’d be well advised to remember that this is the season of all things that go bump after midnight.

Come meet the original caped crusader with the penchant for all things wet, cold, and red: Dracula, of Transylvania. With a suitably creepy set designed by James J. Moran, we enter into a dark world of unexplained circumstances.  Dr. Seward (Russell Fish) runs a mental hospital where a patient

Renfield,a disturbed and disturbing Josh Luszczak, keeps escaping his confines, despite the care of his caretaker Butterworth (Tony Galli). Dr. Seward is also plagued by the mysterious ailment that is attacking his daughter Lucy (Tracey Brown), an illness that has already claimed the life of her best friend.

Lucy’s suitor John Harker (Chris Brooks) is understandably concerned about Lucy and agrees an expert should be consulted, in this case Dr. Van Helsing, a perplexed Michael Gilbride.  Even with the constant care provided by Ms. Wells (Tracey Costa), Lucy wakes up each morning “drained” of energy.  What could be causing her exhaustion?  What role does the new mysterious neighbor Dracula play in the drama?  

Alex Papacoda’s Count Dracula permanently banishes sunshine as he stalks the countryside looking for ever new victims. Lucy’s loyal defenders will need to marshal every garlic clove, metal stake, and crucifix in the hopes of battling this devil in disguise. Kris McMurray takes diabolical pride in squeezing every ounce of fright out of this tale.

For tickets ($30), call the CT Cabaret, 31-33 Webster Square Road, Berlin at 860-829-1248 or online at www.ctcabaret.com. Performances are  Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:15 p.m. Remember to bring goodies to share at your table or plan to buy desserts and drinks on site.

The theater is slightly west of Transylvania, off the Berlin Turnpike.

Celebrate the 120th anniversary of Bram Stoker’s famous vampire fiend and

witness again how goodness and love triumph over evil and darkness. But, just to be

on the safe side, wear a turtleneck jersey or a heavy wool scarf, with a ring of garlic

for good luck.