By AJ Jaffari
What happens when one of literature’s most infamous vampires emerges from the shadows and takes over the stage just in time for spooky season?
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s Dracula sinks its teeth into Bram Stoker’s legendary gothic horror story with an eerie, visually spectacular production that embraces everything audiences have come to love about the infamous Count. Adapted by Steven Dietz and directed by TheatreWorks Artistic Director Giovanna Sardelli, this rendition stays close to the traditional tale while bringing a fresh sense of theatricality, suspense, and plenty of blood to the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.
Having experienced other adaptations of Dracula, I was particularly interested in seeing how TheatreWorks would approach this specific material. Dietz’s version was new to me, and while the story remains relatively easy to follow for anyone familiar with the vampire’s many incarnations, I could see how newcomers might occasionally find themselves piecing together the relationships and events. I myself had to ask those around me if I was remembering certain plot details correctly or not. Nevertheless, the production creates a wonderfully unsettling atmosphere that draws audiences into its dark and mysterious world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. TheatreWorks has consistently impressed me with its extraordinary production values, and Dracula is no exception. From the moment I entered the theatre, I was immediately captivated by the world created onstage. There was something so beautifully eerie about the environment, and as the story progressed, I found myself increasingly impressed by the visual storytelling and the talented company bringing it all to life.
The cast was stellar across the board, with each performer contributing something unique to this wonderfully macabre world.
My personal favorite of the evening was Max Tachis, who delivered an absolutely masterful performance as Renfield. Unhinged, unpredictable, and completely captivating, Tachis embraced every disturbing aspect of the character with remarkable commitment. There was something almost hypnotic about watching him navigate Renfield’s increasingly erratic behavior. His physicality, expressions, and sheer intensity made it difficult to look anywhere else whenever he appeared. It was easily one of the most memorable performances of the evening.
Scott Coopwood was equally impressive as the titular Count Dracula. He brought an appropriately sinister presence to the role, making the character feel both commanding and deeply unsettling. His interpretation leaned beautifully into the gothic horror of the material, creating a Dracula who was as intriguing as he was terrifying.
Emily Newsome was terrific as Lucy, bringing a tremendous amount of energy and vulnerability to the role. And that scream! There were moments when her vocal intensity alone seemed capable of sending chills through the entire auditorium.
Nima Rakhshanifar delivered a strong performance as Jonathan Harker, grounding the increasingly supernatural events with a believable sense of fear and determination.
And, of course, Maria Marquis was wonderful as Mina. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Marquis in several productions now, and she continues to impress me with her versatility and ability to bring such sincerity to her characters. She is one of those performers who consistently elevates the material she’s given.
The remaining company, including Adrian Roberts as Van Helsing, Vincent Randazzo as Seward, and Monique Hafen Adams in several roles, rounded out an incredibly talented ensemble that helped make this adaptation feel both intimate and grand.
As impressive as the performances were, the production design was undoubtedly one of the evening’s greatest achievements.
Jo Winiarski‘s scenic design was simply masterful. The environment was eerie, atmospheric, and filled with visual details that immediately established the gothic world of the story. TheatreWorks has always had a remarkable ability to transform a stage into something extraordinary, and this set was another wonderful example of that craftsmanship.
Kurt Landisman‘s lighting design was equally breathtaking. Quite honestly, the quality of this lighting rivaled what I’ve seen in major Broadway productions. The stark contrasts, haunting shadows, and carefully sculpted moments of illumination created an atmosphere that was both beautiful and deeply unsettling. I particularly appreciated how the lighting worked alongside the scenery to create a sense of danger even during the quieter moments.
James Ard‘s sound design was another major highlight. I’m a sucker for immersive theatrical sound, especially when it comes to horror, and this production delivered. The ominous musical selections and atmospheric effects added tremendous tension throughout the evening, often making the world feel much larger than what was physically represented onstage. Whether through music or carefully timed effects, the soundscape was incredibly effective in building suspense.
Meg Neville‘s costume design was memorable, embracing the dark elegance of the Victorian period while giving each character a distinctive appearance. The costumes complemented the overall aesthetic beautifully and added another layer of authenticity to the production.
And, of course, what would Dracula be without a little blood? Y. Sharon Peng‘s special effects makeup helped bring the horror to life, with several wonderfully executed moments that added to the production’s unsettling atmosphere. The theatrical illusions were particularly impressive, creating moments that felt almost cinematic in their execution.
Under Giovanna Sardelli‘s direction, Dracula successfully balances its gothic atmosphere with the human relationships at the center of the story. While the narrative may occasionally require a little extra attention from those unfamiliar with the source material, the production’s pacing and strong performances keep the evening engaging.
What I appreciated most was the company’s commitment to embracing the horror rather than shying away from it. From the chilling performances to the extraordinary technical elements, every department seemed to be working toward the same vision.
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has delivered an impressive and wonderfully spooky production that feels perfectly suited for the Halloween season. With a stellar cast, breathtaking design, and enough eerie moments to keep audiences on edge, Dracula is a theatrical treat for longtime fans of the story and anyone looking for something a little darker this October.
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