Just in Time for Halloween, Santa Barbara High Presents Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’

Count Dracula’s origin story, as told in Bram Stoker’s novel about the scourge of vampirism, is a tale of fear, passion, and conquering evil. This Halloween season, the Santa Barbara High School Theatre Department presents Dracula as a gothic romance adventure for a new generation. SBHS’s production is an adaptation devised by local educator and theater artist, Eric Lehman. Directed by Kyra Lehman (of Proximity Theatre Company) and department head Gioia Marchese, Dracula incorporates modern theatricality and choreography while remaining deferential to the haunting spirit of the original account.

While the subject of this legend is a terrifying, blood-sucking monster, Dracula is very much an exploration of humanity’s most powerful urges. Student performers, such as Quinlan Byrne and Marley Bernsen, say the story is one of grit, determination, perseverance, and love. “What happens when you tie yourself to someone or something?” asks Kamile Zaunius, who plays Lucy. “Emotional bonds run deeper than what we can imagine.” Ken Quinn, who plays Damien, also highlights important themes of “grief and hardship that come with losing a loved one.”

See Bram Stoker’s Dracula on stage on the SBHS campus Oct 26, Oct 30, and Nov 2–4 at 7 p.m., or catch the matinee at 2 p.m. on November 4. See sbhstheatre.com.