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WHAT, ANOTHER DRACULA?
  -by Anne Hanzlik
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     If you thought there had been enough versions of that old chestnut --
withhold your judgment until you've seen the way the The Pt. Richmond
Masquers do it.
     Never a critic's choice -- from the 1897 original by Bram Stoker to the
latest one by Rich Abbot -- nevertheless all the versions have been popular
with the audiences, both on the stage and in film.  The directors that have
contributed their talents to this hoary old legend have included films by
Roman Polanski, Andy Warhol, and more recently by Francis Ford Coppola.
     But _Dracula The Musical_, is a refreshing spoof on the old horror tale. 
In the Masquers' production, the Count is portrayed by Richard Butler,
complete with very impressive fangs (thanks to Dentist Dr. Mark Thibault.) 
The comic relief is ably led by John Stenger as Boris Renfield, an inmate in
the Dr. Sam Seward's (Michael Clark) family run nuthouse.  Beside breaking
into song and dance at the most improbable moments, Boris has an appetite for
the strange.
     It's all very fast moving, and great fun for the cast and the audience,
enhanced by the elaborate and handsome set by Linda Ellinwood and imaginative
choreography by Allyne Bentley.  The special effects are something to be
seen.
     There is a great nightgown number with Dr. Seward's wife Sophie (Linda
Woody-Wood), the voluptuous house guest, Bubu Padoop (Darlene Langston) and
the maid, Nelly Norton (Sharon Gold).  Mina Seward's (Devon Hardwick) "dual
personalities" were a delight to behold.
     The Masquers had fun with this one!  So did the audience.