Theater At Lime Kiln Begins Rehearsals For DRACULA, OR HOW'S YOUR BLOOD COUNT? 9/24-26

Casting is complete, and rehearsals have begun for Dracula, or How's Your Blood Count? presented by Theater at Lime Kiln on September 24-26. Long time Lime Kiln actor Tom Conway, who recently appeared in the return weekend of Stonewall Country, directs.

Conway, a professional actor and director from Chattanooga, Tennessee, says this will be the craziest comedy ever to hit Lime Kiln. "This is British farce. Nothing is sacred, and with the talent we have involved in this, the funny meter just keeps rising," said Conway. "Mark Cline is both scary as Dracula one moment, and the next I am rolling out of my seat. Rob Mish is just plain wicked funny. And we just started. I can't wait for the next rehearsal, to see what they will come up with next!"

Mark Cline, creator of Enchanted Castle Studios in Southern Rockbridge County, is widely known as a visual artist, entrepreneur and performer. He twice appeared in other versions of Dracula, playing the count's lunatic henchman, Renfield. As Dracula, he brings his own brand of comedy and sense of the macabre.

"Mark is amazingly talented," said Kim Renz, Lime Kiln Executive Director. "Last year he brought down the house in Ghosts of Music City USA as Barney Fife and Johnny Cash. Now he is creating a Dracula no one has ever seen. I think working at his monster museum really helps him become the perfect Dracula. First we will see him as the older, almost Max Shreck Nosferatu, then he transforms into the suave Count we all remember from Frank Langela's version with Lawrence Olivier." Renz added, "But make no mistake, this Dracula is funny too."

Speaking of funny, Rob Mish, who directs the Lenfest Center at Washington and Lee University, tackles the dual casting of Renfield and Van Helsing. Conway calls the roles "distinct, unique and outright hilarious." Mish, who directEd Stonewall Country in July, will also create the W&L production of Chicago in the spring. As an actor he most recently performed as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and as Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors."

Conway says Mish's comedic talents are shining through already. "I'm gonna make him a star," added with a laugh.

Linda Gorman, who also appeared in Stonewall, plays Dr. Seward, who runs Whitby Lunatic AsyluM. Conway cast her in the role, seeing the opportunity to change the sexual dynamics of the mentor-student relationship. "After working with Linda in July, I jumped at the chance to direct her as Seward." Gorman runs the drama program at Rockbridge County High School.

Kevin Mannering, a senior at Washington and Lee, plays Jonathan Harker. "He'll look great in lederhosen," chuckled Conway. And he really gets the ironic, hero-fool character." Ashley Thompson, a senior at Rockbridge County High School, plays his devoted and conflicted fiancée Mina. Thompson performed in Good Ol' Girls at Lime Kiln in June and attended the Governor's School for Visual and Performing Arts.

Fresh off her lead role in the female version of The Odd Couple at RCHS, Wendy Wilson plays the vapid and stunning Fay Wray. Gorman says Wilson "blew them away" in The Odd Couple, and she will be great in Dracula. Tracy Staton, who plays Lucy, appeared in Steven Spielberg's The War of the Worlds. A film studies graduate of Hollins University, Staton says she is looking forward to "a bloody good time" in the most hilarious dark comedy ever seen at Lime Kiln.

Lexington resident and son of Joellen Bland, director of theatre at VMI, Neil Bland has been around theatre since he was knee-high to a vampire bat. A passionate musician and talented welder, Bland plays several character, his favorite being the Transylvanian peasant woman. Lee Harris, who plays Clov, the driver, and various other roles, hails from Staunton. Her and Cline are also helping to create the scenery for the show.

Conway added, "Lee and Neil will also provide some of the best sight gags in the show. And wait til you see the cross-dressing bride of Dracula."

Tickets are on sale at Rockbridge Music and Lexington Visitors Center or by calling the Lime Kiln office.

Adults: $15 in advance, $20 at the gate; Seniors: $12 in advance, $15 at the gate; Students: $8 in advance, $10 at the gate. Children 6 and under are admitted free of charge.

Upcoming Theater at Lime Kiln Events

September 12 Rockbridge Area Chamber Wine Festival - Call 540-463-5375 for tickets.

September 24-26 Dracula or How's Your Blood Count?

October 23 Dinner Dance at Evans Dining Hall with Charlotte Jazz Orchestra

Office: 540-473-7088

Website: theateratlimekiln.com