As an undead bloodsucking ruler from the Carpathian mountains, the figure of Dracula has morphed throughout the ages into an archetype of dangerous and seductive power. Whether that power is in the form of violence or eroticism, it taps into a need to feel alive and vigorous at any cost. And in the case of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, a raucous and delightfully campy adaptation of Irish novelist Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, that vigor manifests itself through laughter and a quest for purpose.

Stoker may have been inspired — at least in name — by the historical figure of Vlad III — The Impaler, a medieval ruler in Southeastern European lands that are now known as Romania. “Dracula” can be translated as “Son of the Dragon” or “Son of the Devil,” and Vlad was also known in Europe and Asia in the 15th century as “The Impaler” for his displays of gruesome violence and cruelty. The name carries weight, to say the least.

Fast forward a few centuries to 1890 and the seaside settlement of Whitby, England. Here, the moody ruins of the town abbey, haunting skies, and alluring cliffs inspired Stoker to write his horror novel. (Some scholars speculate that Stoker may have encountered Dracula’s name while researching in the Whitby library.) With its portrayal of the lusty count and his thirst for blood and unholy companionship, the story smashed open Victorian norms and taboos, especially around sexuality and gender.

Skip ahead another hundred years plus to the New York-based writing team Steven Rosen and Gordon Greenberg. Intent on riffing on the classic novel, “we both agreed that anything that takes itself that seriously was a prime target for satire,” said Greenberg in an email. “Stoker drops Dracula into a world of repressed Victorians. It’s a stark juxtaposition. And one that makes for great comedic opportunities.”

And like bats careening from a belfry at dusk, the satire is everywhere. Actors change into new characters with lightning speed (and well-placed wigs and headboards). Noble lords appear as puppets. And electric guitar licks, bursts of confetti, and leather pants layer sexy silliness onto the original Whitby spookiness.

“Comedy is in the crisis. These people survive a crisis together, which binds them for life.” — Gordon Greenberg, Director and Co-writer

Gorden Greenberg, Director & Co-Writer

With all the humor, the story is still precipitated on life, death, and vulnerability. Dracula seduces both British real estate agent Jonathan Harker and earth scientist Lucy Westfeldt (Harker’s fiancée), embroiling them in a transgressive supernatural love triangle that forces them to reckon with their relationship and future. “The momentary superficial attraction to Dracula is a reminder of what they have in each other,” said Greenberg. “Permanence, partnership, humanity.”

Furthermore, Dracula pursues Lucy’s sister, the lovelorn Mina, who elicits laughs as a sexually aggressive young woman rebuffed in her desires for intimacy — or at the very least, a hook-up. Her monstrous metamorphosis summons the need for Dr. Van Helsing, a German doctor adept at hunting the bloodsuckers, which kicks off a quest to find and stake Dracula in order to save Mina’s soul (and by extension, the rest of the family’s souls). It’s a mission that also compels the devilish count to consider his own desires for sex, blood, and life force. In an emblematic moment where he simultaneously entices and counsels his victim, Dracula tells Harker, “Fear is temporary. Regret is forever.”

Because as all-powerful and well-resourced as Dracula seems, he is hollow amidst his decadence. “Steven Rosen and I talked a lot about his lack of scarcity,” relayed Greenberg. “We tend to think of it as a bad thing, you know? But scarcity actually gives things value. For Dracula, having too much leaves him feeling empty. And like many of us in a world of fast and fleeting pleasures, he is searching for meaning.”

Over 500 years later from the first utterance of the name, Dracula clearly still inspires, whether through horror or humor. The search for meaning continues. Why not fill it with laughter and leather pants along the way?

DETAILS
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
Nov 28, 2025-May 10, 2026 • Garner Galleria Theatre
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