The Count is descending on Reading this Halloween.<\/p>\n
Genesius Theatre presents Balderson and Deane\u2019s original stage adaptation of Bram Stoker\u2019s gothic horror novel \u201cDracula\u201d from Oct. 23 to 31.<\/p>\n
This 1924 adaptation was commissioned by Bram Stoker\u2019s widow, Florence, in response to the release of the 1922 film, \u201cNosferatu.\u201d The creators of the movie did not approach the estate for permission and refused to admit to stealing from Stoker\u2019s plot, which meant Florence received no share of royalties despite its success. So, Florence commissioned playwrights John L. Balderson and Hamilton Deane to write a play that would immortalize her late husband\u2019s creation on stage.<\/p>\n
While remaining exceedingly true to the characters, scares, and overall arc of the plot, the play the two wrote is set in the 1920s and reflects the time during which it was written \u2014 including in the choice to frame the narrative as a parlor drama taking place almost entirely inside Dr. Seward\u2019s home and asylum.<\/p>\n
Genesius Theatre artistic director James Haggerty stated in the release that the playwrights\u2019 changes never sacrifice any horror or suspense from the source material, and the story is actually enhanced by the cultural climate of the time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere most might think you lose some of the classic, gothic horror by moving Dracula out of Victorian times, what you gain is this incredible undercurrent of the Spiritualism revival of the 1920s, when the world had been electrified with this heightened belief in the supernatural,\u201d Haggerty said.<\/p>\n
![\"Jon](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/REG-L-GENdracula-02.jpeg\")
Jon Browning and Daphnee McMaster portray Dracula and Lucy Seward in the Genesius Theatre production of Balderson and Deane\u2019s original stage adaptation of Bram Stoker\u2019s gothic horror novel \u201cDracula.\u201d (Photos courtesy of Don Carrick at Studio 413 Photography)<\/p>\n
\u201cBalderson and Deane truly created not just a gripping adaptation of the novel, but a real statement of how society at the time handled paranormal superstition \u2014 and how they treated those they chose to keep locked away from the public,\u201d continued Haggerty. \u201cIt adds a human level of horror that is a chilling enhancement to the Count\u2019s supernatural terrors.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDracula\u201d is the first mainstage production at Genesius under Haggerty\u2019s artistic direction. He states in the release that he \u201ccouldn\u2019t be happier\u201d with the cast and crew that came together to kick off this next chapter in the decades-old theatre\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
\u201cGenesius is an intimate playhouse in the heart of Reading that doesn\u2019t shy away from telling stories that need to be told. We want to become a place where people come to think, escape, challenge their views of the world, and where artists and creatives in the Greater Reading area can come together, collaborate and create,\u201d Haggerty said.<\/p>\n
\u201cArt is the heartbeat of community, and I want us to be a hub for both. This tight-knit, magnanimous cast of veteran actors is also a reflection of the community in which we live, and our thoughtful, dedicated and seasoned crew is the perfect group to share this story with our neighbors,\u201d Haggerty said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDracula\u201d is directed by Bill Eschbach, with set design by Griffin Anderson and Allen Moyer, lights by Ty Tansy, and set building by Adam Kissinger and Griffin Yena.<\/p>\n
The octet cast consists of Jon Browning as Count Dracula, Corey Clark as Jonathan Harker, Daphnee McMaster as Lucy Seward, Rick Applegate as Abraham Van Helsing, Gabriel Moreno as Dr. Seward, Brandon Reimer as R.M. Renfield, Dani Pflum as Miss Wells, and Jemarc Axinto as Butterworth.<\/p>\n
Together, they make a hearty group of seasoned professionals and beloved local artists united by their passion for the thrills, chills, and visual treats of theatre \u2014 of which this production provides plenty.<\/p>\n
With period-accurate costuming, a set that looms like an ever-present crypt, and all of the blood, fangs and glowing red eyes you could want in a monster story like this, \u201cDracula\u201d is as thrilling for lovers of history, art, literature and theatre as it is for fans of classic movie monsters.<\/p>\n
That rich storytelling and attention to detail is to be expected of Haggerty, who, with his background in both visual and performance artistry, brings a sculptor\u2019s eye and performer\u2019s heart to his artistic direction at Genesius.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust like painting or sculpting, we\u2019re constantly creating images on the stage,\u201d Haggerty said. \u201cIn our small playhouse, we can\u2019t hide \u2014 the audience is right in the action and the details become all the more important at that distance. I want our audiences to experience every rich texture, layer and color in each production \u2014 not just in our set design, costuming or lighting, but in the nuance of each performance on that stage: every line delivered and every note played.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDracula\u201d performances will be held Oct. 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 and 31. With the exception of a 3 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, Oct. 25, all other performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The show runs approximately two hours, including one intermission.<\/p>\n
Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the theatre, though patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the shuttle program at The DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. Mention Genesius when making a dinner or bar reservation, and enjoy complimentary parking in their garage, a meal, and a shuttle to and from the show.<\/p>\n