'Dracula' coming to Freehold

Freehold Borough

FREEHOLD - Center Players takes one of the oldest tales of vampires and breathes life into it at the Center Playhouse, 35 South St.

"Dracula," dramatized by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston and directed by Robert Lamb of Freehold, will open its coffin for the first time in Freehold Bor-ough on Oct. 20 and reappear through Nov. 19.

Sal Ricci as the seductively charming Count Dracula stakes his claim on Lucy, played by Donna Acquavella of Belmar, to be his next victim bride. She has fallen ill and her father, Dr. Seward, played by Rick Selterman of Marlboro, seeks assistance from Dr. Van Helsing, a specialist in mysterious illnesses, played by Anthony Cipriano of Freehold.

Add the insect-eating Renfield, played by Kurt Loegel of Freehold, and Lucy's protective suitor, Jonathan Harker, played by Matt De Rogatis, and there is a recipe for a gripping performance of this classic vampire story. Lucyanne Pallone of Freehold as Miss Wells, and Nicholas Preissler of Shrewsbury as Butterworth round out the cast.

According to a press release, a creative team has researched, designed and fashioned a stage set, costumes and music that will transport the audience to an eerie sanitarium in old England. The production will run for five weekends and 15 performances.

The play will run from Oct. 20 through Nov. 19. Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors, students and groups of 10 or more.

Complimentary desserts and beverages are served at intermission. Dinner packages are available at three downtown Freehold restaurants. To purchase tickets or for further information, call (732) 462-9093, ext. 1 or visit the Internet Web site www.CenterPlayers.org.