Social - October 2003

Guild sinks its teeth into ‘Dracula’

By DIANE TURBYFILL, Staff Writer

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Werewolves howl and fangs flare in the Lincoln Theatre Guild’s production of “Dracula.”

The seasonal show, sponsored by Julius Blum Inc., opens Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Lincoln Cultural Center.

“I think audiences will like the suspense, humor and horror,” says Mary Jane Howard, the show’s director.

Howard partners with her husband, Barrie Howard, in directing the production. The veteran acting/directing team have been involved in theater for more than 20 years.

Charter members of the Lincoln Theatre Guild, the Howards have worked on numerous plays.

This is their first time co-directing in about 10 years, since they put on “Rumors” at the Little Theater of Gastonia.

Mary Jane Howard says their efforts have complemented each other.

“His strengths are in characterization and presentation and mine are in organization and administration. So we work pretty well together,” she says.

Howard says the team has been made truly complete with talented actors.

“This cast is one of the most professional that I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” she says.

The cast includes Bethany Falls, Brian Powell, Lawrence Welch, Michael Helms, Allen Rogers, Tony Willis, Lillian Harless Williams and Pete DeGregory.

The play brings audiences into a household where Lucy Seward has fallen ill. Her friend Mina has recently died of the same symptoms.

Seward’s father, friend and fiancé struggle to find the source of her sickness, while a deranged Renfield scoffs and Count Dracula lurks in the wings.

The play was adapted by Hamilton Deane and Jonathan Balderston from the novel by Bram Stoker.

Howard says the characters and story bring back memories.

“I love the story,” she says. “My brother introduced me to it when I was 11 or 12, and it made the hair stand up on my arms when I read it.”

The seasonal show will be held at the Lincoln Cultural Center Thursday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door: $7 for students and seniors, $10 for adults.

A special Halloween show and costume party will be held Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. Audiences are encouraged to dress for the costume party to follow in the Reception Hall. The party — sponsored by Warlick Funeral Home — will include music, dancing, food and drinks. Libations will be sold. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 per couple.

For more information call 704-735-2281.

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