Pitt's Halloween Thriller-"Count Dracula"-Runs Through Nov. 1

PITTSBURGH-In time for Halloween, the world's most renowned vampire will be at the University of Pittsburgh as part of Pitt Repertory Theatre's presentation of "Count Dracula" Oct. 22 through Nov. 1.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There is also a special 2 p.m. Halloween matinee Oct. 31. The play's venue is the Charity Randall Theatre, in the lower level of the Stephen Foster Memorial, Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, Oakland.

The goings-on at Dr. Seward's Asylum for the Criminally Insane are even stranger than usual since the arrival of a mysterious nobleman from Transylvania. Mina has fallen ill with an unusual malady, suffering the same symptoms that killed her friend, Lucy. Patient Reinfield keeps escaping, and wolves are howling all night on the moors.

Written by Ted Tiller and directed by W. Stephen Coleman, "Count Dracula" evokes just enough laughter to keep the goose bumps at bay.

Sam Turich, teaching artist for Pitt's theatre arts department, plays the title role. He has performed locally with the Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Bricolage, City Theatre, Quantum, and Playhouse Rep. He also had a recurring role on television's "Law & Order" and played opposite Joanne Woodward in the CBS film "Blind Spot."

In this adaptation, Count Dracula's nemesis is a woman-Dr. Helga Von Helsing-played by teaching artist Elena Alexandratos. Bruce McConachie, chair of the theatre arts department, plays Dr. Seward, and teaching artist Holly Thuma has the role of his eccentric sister, Sybil.

Tickets are $22 general admission and $12 for students, but there are special rates for senior citizens and Pitt faculty, staff, and alumni. For information or to order tickets, visit www.play.pitt.edu or call 412-624-7529.

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10/7/09/tmw