With a playful twist on the 1897 gothic novel Dracula, Diamond Bar High School’s production of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors displays the story of a small Victorian town, where life is normal until a deadly plague arrives. Masterfully combining modern humor and deep emotional moments, this play is a chilling ride from start to finish.
“Our main goal was to create a show that was bold, funny, and full of energy,” director Jared Kaitz said. “Overall, we wanted to build community, make people laugh, and remind everyone how special it feels to see live theatre.”
With flashing rainbow lights, smoke trailing behind the shadowy figure and rock music complementing his entrance, Count Dracula made quite the memorable first impression. With his cordial manners and eccentric personality, there was a lot to admire about his character.
“Magnetically handsome rockstar presence with a killer body, he is a narcissist whose greatest love is himself,” Dracula actor Dionnah Garcia said.
In one of the first scenes, two of the most contrasting personalities, Dracula and the wimpy real estate agent Jonathan Harker, meet. Put simply, their meeting is brief but crucial, as it sets in motion the bizarre series of events that follow. It also introduces the twisted love triangle between Dracula, Jonathan, and Lucy, one of the most important dynamics at play.
Shortly afterwards, Dracula’s appearance is seemingly omnipresent to Jonathan, especially around Lucy. Even after his presumed passing in a shipwreck, he manages to make constant reappearances with more vitality than ever. Dracula is in constant pursuit, creeping around town and showing up conveniently at the perfect moment.
After Dracula decides to make the journey to Whitby, things start to change around the town. However, the real turning point is when he meets Mina Westfeldt, Lucy’s older sister. Mina, starved for attention from suitors who only want her sister, is enchanted to meet Count Dracula. They share a dance and even head off for the night, but when morning comes, things take a turn for the worse.
Upon viewing Mina’s appearance the next day, it is evident that something is wrong. Lucy remarks on the condition of her sister: pale skin, aversion to the sun, and a newfound allergy to garlic. Worried for his daughter, Dr. Wallace Westfeldt calls for a doctor. When Dr. Van Helsing arrives, she realizes that Mina’s condition is due to a plague, one caused by vampires.
The misfortunes never seem to come to an end. The next day, after an undisclosed midnight rendezvous with Dracula, Mina disappears from her bedroom completely. And thus starts the tumultuous journey of Dr. Van Helsing, Lucy Westfeldt, Jonathan Harker, and Dr. Westfeldt to find the malicious perpetrator.