Short description

A twisted, darkly comedic take on the Dracula myth, pitting Victorian sexual repression against erotically charged Gothic horror.

This event has been viewed 2648 times
Last viewed on September 3, 2010, 12:49 am
It was last updated on October 16, 2006, 7:58 pm
It was originally posted: 2006-09-03 19:59:46
By Balagan Theatre

DESCRIPTION

What happens when a powerfully sensual Count from the dark woods of Romania obsesses with a photograph of three alluring woman, and journeys to London where Jack the Ripper is eviscerating unaccompanied ladies? The Victorian men become threatened by his hypnotic eroticsm that seems to unlace corsets. Don Nigro's unmatched vision of what truly created the Dracula myth becomes astoundingly relevant in today's conservative repression.

User-Submitted Reviews

average rating: - from 1 reviewer
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The story line of Don Nigro’s “The Transylvanian Clockworks”, with a twist or two, was surprisingly traditional, although the play infused new life into the old Dracula legend with fresh imagery, inventive phrasing, and the electric crackle of old-fashioned melodrama. Charles Waxberg effectively suspended disbelief through it all. His well-placed tableaus of “offstage” actors were a perfect solution in a low-budget, open-room theatre with a large support post. It was fun to drink in Erin Chanfrau’s dark set. With Michael Ricciardi’s effective use of area lighting and amber gels, we would soon slurp a musty Octoberfest brew. The squeaky bed was a delight. Marta Olson’s costumes were fashionable and, whenever desired, seductive. (Okay. I’ve got to find a coat like Van Helsing’s.) Brendan Hogan’s music was nicely integrated, enhancing whatever moods. The acting in Balagan Theatre’s inaugural production was professional in caliber. It corresponded with their stated belief that “even the smallest-scale theatre should behave and perform to a level of professionalism and artistic quality…” Actors’ lines were down cold, allowing for masterful interweaving and subtle wordplay. Laugh-lines lurked in this dark script but were tastefully delivered as treacled mouthings or sweet under-the-breath mutterings. Mina (Samara Lerman) was taskmistress of the offhanded remark. Dr. Seward’s (Jake Groshong) song, on the other hand, was a psychotic case study in wild abandon. Mina, Lucy (Cathleen O’Malley) and Peg (Kaitie Warren) were intelligently-drawn individuals whose group photograph easily fetched poor Dracula (Roy Stanton) from his mountain aerie in Transylvania. Dracula and Van Helsing (Richard Clairmont) gave tricky variegated performances while remaining a magnetic polarity in Victorian England where real opposition to evil often hung by a thread. Harker (Chad Evans) provided that inner conflict and depth of character we always hoped for from Renfro in the original story. On balance, I give this production of “Transylvanian Clockworks” 5 amateur stars (worth a trip from Port Townsend in the rain).

-Steve Treacy October 16, 2006, 7:58 pm

REVIEWS & PREVIEWS

User-Submitted Reviews

The Seattle Times Review by Tom Keogh Monday, October 16, 2006 sharp, probing and intensely erotic. This is a \"Dracula\" that teases shadowy intimacy and obsession... (read article) The Stranger Review by Lindy West Thursday, October 12, 2006 ...a blood-soaked, eroticized Victorian vampire story. (read article) Seattle Times - Critic's Pick! Review Thursday, October 12, 2006 The gripping production is the first from the new Balagan Theatre Company. (read article)

average rating: - from 1 reviewer Read complete reviews The story line of Don Nigro’s “The Transylvanian Clockworks”, with a twist or two, was surprisingly traditional, although the play infused new life in ... -Steve Treacy October 16, 2006, 7:58 pm

COMPLETE SCHEDULE

  Thursday, October 5, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Friday, October 6, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Saturday, October 7, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Sunday, October 8, 2006 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  Thursday, October 12, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Friday, October 13, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Saturday, October 14, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Sunday, October 15, 2006 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  Monday, October 16, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm   -  
  Thursday, October 19, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Friday, October 20, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
  Saturday, October 21, 2006 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

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