Improv Playhouse presents “Dracula” as a radio play – Shaw Local

LIBERTYVILLE – Prepare for a thrilling theatrical experience as Improv Playhouse presents “Dracula,” the iconic novel by Bram Stoker brought to life as a staged radio play based on the original 1938 screenplay by Orson Welles.

Performances will take place Oct. 25 and 26 at the Improv Playhouse Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee in Libertyville.

Directed by Improv Playhouse founder David Brian Stuart, the production pays homage to the golden age of radio. Welles’ little-known hour-long radio adaptation of “Dracula” originally aired on July 11, 1938, just a few months before his broadcast of “War of the Worlds.”

“This adaptation is by far the closest thing to the original novel,” Stuart said in a press release. “The radio play format allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in the tension and terror that Stoker created in his story, while maintaining the suspenseful atmosphere that Welles masterfully brought to life.”

Daniel Plumhoff from Gurnee takes on the role of Count Dracula, a dream role he has always wanted to take on.

“It has been a lifelong goal to portray Dracula. “There are so many layers to this character,” Plumhoff said in the press release.

Joining him on stage is his father, Stephen Plumhoff, a veteran of Improv Playhouse productions. Stephen Plumhoff plays Dr. Seward, one of Dracula’s main opponents.

“Playing Dracula’s enemy is especially fun because my son is Dracula. We always get along great. Now I get the chance to bring him on stage,” said Stephen Plumhoff.

Other outstanding actors include Mia Hirschel (Zürichsee, AFTRA-SAG) as Mina, Susan Kries (Vernon Hills) as Lucy, Egon Schein (Libertyville) as Van Helsing, Dan Ness (Palatine) as Harker and Ted Rafferty (Schaumburg). the captain of the ill-fated Demeter and Jerry Hirschel (Lake Zurich).

In keeping with the Halloween spirit, the Improv Playhouse offers treats and surprises throughout the evening.

The performances will take place on October 25th at 8 p.m. and October 26th at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $17.50 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and older and $7.50 for students. It is $20 for all adults and $10 for students at the door. Anyone who shows up at the door in costume will receive a $2 discount.

To purchase tickets, visit www.improvplayhouse.com or call 847-968-4529.

The Improv Playhouse has been a cornerstone of Libertyville’s arts scene for more than 25 years, providing quality performances, education and entertainment.