Hillcrest High School delivered a haunting and memorable performance of Bram Stoker's classic tale, Dracula, as part of the Cappies program. The production, directed by Sabrina Kayed, showcased the timeless battle between good and evil, captivating the audience with its atmospheric staging and compelling character portrayals.
A Classic Tale of Terror
First published in 1897 and later adapted for the stage in 1924, Dracula follows the vampire Count Dracula as he terrorizes the English town of Whitby. When residents begin falling ill and experiencing nightmarish dreams, suspicion falls on the mysterious newcomer. Realtor Jonathan Harker, his wife Mina, and their friend Dr. Van Helsing must join forces to rescue their loved ones—including Lucy and Renfield—from Dracula's sinister grip.
Stellar Performances
Mohamed Zreik portrayed Dracula with a thick Transylvanian accent and a charismatic yet menacing voice. He maintained consistent vocal depth throughout the performance, skillfully shifting between the count's charming exterior and his blood-chilling true nature. The supporting cast also shone: Brianna Brooks convincingly portrayed Lucy's descent into madness, delivering hysterical screams during intense moments. Liam Hart, as Renfield, used a sinister tone and erratic gestures to depict a mind fully under Dracula's control, maintaining his crazed demeanor even when off-focus, adding depth to every scene.
Immersive Props and Makeup
The production's Gothic atmosphere was enhanced by handcrafted props created by Gabriel Maloney and his team. Using 3D printing, they produced a syringe with moving parts, a Gothic cross, a dagger, and a bat. The bat, attached to a pole with strings, allowed operators to flap its wings. Makeup artists Maebh Brennan, Teagan McGuire, Maria Ntutumu Ayingono, and Zuena Ana Dah designed gaunt looks for Dracula and his victims, using black sunken eyes and hollow cheeks to convey the draining effect of the vampire's influence.
A Terrifyingly Good Performance
Hillcrest High School's production of Dracula successfully transformed the stage into a vampire-infested town, combining exceptional acting with period-appropriate props and ghostly makeup. The performance underscored the message that even in the face of danger and death, relying on trusted allies is essential to persevere.
