From ACTORS COLLABORATIVE TOLEDO
Actors Collaborative Toledo invites audiences to prepare for a hilariously unhinged trip to Transylvania when it presents “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, October 16–18 in the Robert Bell Studio, Toledo Center for Live Arts 4747 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo. Directed by ACT co-founder John DuVall, with Chanel Black serving as Assistant Director, the production stars Thea Grabiec as Justin Case as Count Dracula in a lightning-fast, laugh-filled reimagining of Bram Stoker’s legendary tale.
Showtimes are: Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. Click for tickets.
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” takes everything audiences know about the world’s most famous vampire and gleefully turns it upside down. Packed with physical comedy, quick character changes, wordplay, pop-culture references, and plenty of theatrical surprises, Greenberg and Rosen’s comedy transforms the classic Gothic horror story into an irreverent romp where no neck—or theatrical convention—is safe.
At the center of the mayhem is Count Dracula. Grabiec takes on the iconic cape and fangs as ACT continues its tradition of approaching contemporary and classic works with creativity and a willingness to play with audience expectations.
Director John DuVall says of the production: “If you need to escape for a while and have a great laugh—this is the play for you! Full of pop culture references, sight gags, and hilarious dialogue, this sexy, comic retelling of a classic tale will have you laughing long after the curtain falls. This amazing cast, most of them new to the ACT family— have been a dream to direct!”
Thea Grabiec says of taking on the role of Dracula: “I’ve been acting for over 30 years, and I’ve been doing drag for 16, but never once have I blended those two worlds. This is a fun and exciting challenge that I can’t wait to bring to the stage and experience with this incredible cast.”
The cast also features Floyd Anderson, Dannie Ellis, Sid Grohowski, Jenna Jansa, Laura Kelly, Jeremy Natter, and John Toth.
Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” premiered Off-Broadway at New World Stages in 2023 following earlier productions at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre and Capital Repertory Theatre. The play affectionately spoofs both Bram Stoker’s novel and the countless stage and screen versions of Dracula that have kept audiences fascinated—and occasionally terrified—for generations.
ACT’s production will be presented in the intimate Robert Bell Studio at the Toledo Center for Live Arts, offering audiences an up-close seat for the show’s rapid-fire comedy and theatrical chaos.
Actors Collaborative Toledo
Actors Collaborative Toledo is dedicated to presenting compelling, actor-driven theatre that challenges artists and audiences while creating opportunities for collaboration within Northwest Ohio’s vibrant performing arts community. For additional information about “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” and Actors Collaborative Toledo, visit www.act419.org.
