The Colonial Theatre will present Dracula
Pittsfield – The Colonial Theatre will present Darrell Pucciarellos' Ballet Metropolis Production of Dracula on October 31st at 8PM, and November 1st at 2PM and 8PM. The entire production of three performances is sponsored by Lyon Aviation, Inc. Tickets for performances range from $15-$25 with student tickets for $15 and can be purchased in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2, by calling (413) 997-4444 or 24/7 online at www.TheColonialTheatre.orgThere will be a gala performance to benefit the Colonial’s Performing Arts for Kids education program at 8PM on November 1st. Tickets are $50 and $125 and can be purchased through the Colonial Ticket Office.
Fear will be tempered by fascination as vampires descend upon The Colonial Theatre. Curiosity will be excited by an elaborate lobby atmosphere created by Tom Butler that leads in to a world of great romance tinged with terror. Dracula, a ballet in two acts created by Director-Choreographer Darrell Pucciarello, transforms the Colonial into a Transylvanian castle for this family adventure. The original haunting score by David Edwards, matched by the Gothic sets of Carl Sprague, make this a Halloween experience unlike any other.
“Dracula presents the Colonial Theatre with three unique and exciting opportunities. As a community-based theater we are thrilled to have the opportunity to fulfill our mission by supporting the work of a local artist. Darrell Pucciarello is a nationally renowned dancer and choreographer who has established both Ballet Metropolis and Studio One, his dance school here in Pittsfield. The Colonial Theatre is a co-producer on this production which has enabled the project to develop with a wonderful sense of “ownership” among all parties. Finally, the last performance of the three, on Saturday night, November 1, will include VIP seating at the performance for Gala guests who will make a benefit contribution to the Colonial’s Performing Arts for Kids Series. They will enjoy hosted dinner parties prior to the event, a special champagne and chocolate reception in the lobby, along with a silent and live auction that features many wonderful prizes that have been donated to benefit the Colonial Theatre’s school programs.” says David Fleming, Colonial Executive Director.
The play Dracula played The Colonial Theatre exactly 80 years ago on October 29, 1928. The Eagle review suggested it was not well received regarding the acting but rather, a “fun show.” The lead was played by none other than Bill Tilden II, the famed tennis star. His leading lady was a very prominent actress on stage and screen, Marjorie Daw. Colonial Board Member and Historian, Bob Boland, met with Carl Sprague, (father of Ruslan who will play Dracula in the Colonial production), and learned that coincidentally enough, Ruslan’s second love, after theatre, is tennis.
Pucciarello says, “This will be a fresh and new approach to theater and dance and one that will showcase our abundant local talent. The original music composed by David Edwards is both lovely and haunting and Carl Sprague has created a unique atmospheric set design using mixed media and surprising special effects. The original choreography is a contemporary approach to the classic story. The costume designer Brenda Baird Connelly, has created lavish, authentic, Victorian wardrobe. The students of my school Studio One and the Ballets Metropolis Company members are incredibly excited about the opportunity to perform on The Colonial Theatre stage again and we all look forward to many years of a partnership with The Colonial Theatre and thrilling original dance performances.”
