Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors Presented by Reading Community Players

Reading Community Players continues their 2025 “Season of Classics” by presenting Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. This laugh-out-loud version of the Bram Stoker classic novel promises to deliver laughs alongside the chills. Dracula: Comedy of Terrors by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen will be presented Friday, October 24th at 7pm; Saturday, October 25th at 7pm; and Sunday, October 26th at 2pm at the WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N 5th St in Downtown Reading.

Sink your teeth into this hilariously unique take on Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula! The farcical Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is neck-biting, hysterically racy, and gloriously ridiculous. With an ensemble of actors bringing the entire cast of living and undead characters to life, prepare for side-splitting scenes and unforgettable moments.

The horrors of this story are well-known. In this scary sendup, effete attorney Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to sell some London real estate to
you-know-who. Once the vampire arrives in London both terror and hilarity accompany him and his six coffins of Romanian dirt (the best kind for farming).
Harker’s fiancé, Lucy, reminds the titular sex symbol of his long forever lost love. BUT can Harker, Lucy’s father, and Dr. Van Helsing foil Dracula’s plans for a “romantic getaway” with Lucy or her beefy sister? Oh, and Renfield eats bugs.

The comically-gifted cast of ten local actors work hard to bring the story, visual gags, and jokes to life. Longtime performer, Laura Diann Stewart simply had to try out. Stewart explains, “I love doing comedy to begin with. When I read this script I knew I had to audition for it. Gender bending. Over-the-top accents. Adult situations. Babka. How could I possibly resist?”

New to the RCP stage, Christy Jones has thoroughly enjoyed the process. “Horror and comedy meeting together is the best thing in the world,” she explains. “I grew up watching Dracula and other horror movies… so as I continue my journey in theater- I figured this would be a great start.”

Seasoned performer Allison Schiding notices how well the cast is collaborating. She states, “Yes, this show is hysterical, and even though we’ve only had a few weeks of rehearsals, the chemistry between the actors working together has been great! Everyone has been very collaborative and helpful with each other.”

Surely, this will all contribute to a memorable experience for ticket buyers, Stewart feels, “We’ve all seen a million and one takes on Dracula. This one turns them all on their heads. If Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and the Muppets make you laugh, you will love this show.”

The nuttiness of the script comes in many forms. Actors playing multiple characters even appear onstage in scenes with themselves. “The best parts are
the animal attacks, but no wolves or bats will be harmed in this production,” according to director Steve Reazor. Cast member Stephanie Hartline adds, “The audience will never hear disco music again without thinking of Drac!” Garlic and crosses won’t even save you from the laughs.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is sponsored by John’s Great Cars. Tickets for Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors are $20 for adults, $15 for students and
seniors, and can be purchased online at readingcommplayers.com. Flex season passes are also available.

Reading Community Players is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing quality theatre and arts education to communities. To learn more about the organization and their offerings, visit www.readingcommplayers.com.

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Source: bctv