Orlando Shakespeare Theater Sinks Its Teeth Into Dracula: The Journal Of Jonathan Harker

ORLANDO, Fla. - Sept. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF sends chills down Central Florida audiences’ spines with Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker. Adapted from Bram Stoker’s novel by Orlando Shakes Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and directed by Michael Carleton, Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker begins October 9 and runs through November 10, 2013 at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. Tickets, priced at $17-$40, are on sale now at (407) 447-1700 or http://orlandoshakes.org.

Jonathan Harker has no idea what’s in store when he is sent to deliver deeds to the eerie Castle Dracula.  Upon arrival, he is captured by the dark and mysterious Count, and discovers horrors behind the castle walls. Jonathan must risk his life to destroy the Count before he becomes more powerful than ever, but will he live to tell the tale of this undead creature of the night? Experience the original Prince of Darkness like never before in a one-man tour-de-force based on Bram Stoker's original text of journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings. Dracula’s spellbinding originality, inventive theatricality, and unexpected scares are guaranteed to make audiences’ blood run cold.

“It's the perfect show to do around Halloween -- thrills, chills, and great literature all in one shot!" said Jim Helsinger. “Dracula was the first show I did as Artistic Director here in 1995 and I am delighted to bring it back for our 25th Anniversary season.”

Helsinger’s thrilling play received its world premiere at Orlando Shakes during Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival’s seventh season. Dracula was produced again in 1996 and returned to Orlando Shakes for a third production in 2003. Since then it has received several other productions across the country including Cape May Stage, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and On Stage Woodward. Kansas City’s Coterie Theatre is scheduled to present Dracula this October.

Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker features actor John P. Keller, seen as Edward in last season’s Sense and Sensibility and Roderigo in Othello. John reprises the role of Jonathan Harker after appearing in Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s production of Dracula adapted by William McNulty and directed by Geoffrey Sherman. The Orlando Shakes creative team includes Scenic Designer Bob Phillips, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS

OPENING PRE-SHOW CHAT
Join us in the Patron’s Room on October 11 at 6:45 p.m. for a brief, informative discussion with the director and members of the artistic team about the creative process.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY
After the show, audience members are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, designers, and Orlando Shakes staff at the Opening Night Party. The party begins after the show (approx. 9:30 p.m.) on October 11 and everyone is invited. No RSVP necessary.

PLAYSHOP
School-age children can participate in a fun and creative camp during select Orlando Shakespeare Theater performances. Led by Orlando Shakes Actor/Educators, theatergoers' children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy supervised arts and crafts, play educational games, and maybe even learn a song or dance. For Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker, the service is available to all ticket buyers on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 2 p.m. for just $15 per child.  Advance registration is required. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 for tickets and information.

PAY WHAT YOU WILL
We are celebrating our 25^th Anniversary on the 25^th of each month. Purchase any seat in the house for any amount you choose for the October 25^th performance of Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker. Tickets must be purchased in-person at the Box Office on the day of the performance. First come, first serve until sold out. Limited to two tickets per person. Advance seating also available at full price.

THURSDAY TALK BACK
Stay after the performance on Thursday, October 24 for an informal Q & A with the cast and members of the design team.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Preview Dates: October 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Date: October 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Senior Matinees: October 16, 23, 30 & November 6 at 2 p.m.
$20 Under 30: October 18 at 7:30 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

DATES AND PRICES
Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. – all seats $35, $30, $20
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. – all seats $40, $35, $30
Preview Performances - $18
Senior Matinees - $17

DISCOUNTS
Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+
Student Rush: $12 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices

Single and Season Tickets are available by calling (407) 447-1700, online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.

Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker is sponsored by BB&T Wealth Management and Roetzel. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts collaborative campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council.