Last updated October 23, 2008   

The Vampyre

by Tim Kelley

from the story by John Polidori

directed by Russ Roberts

Performances: October 17, 18, 24, 25, 26(m), 30, 31, Nov. 1, 2008

The charming and ruthless Lord Ruthven insinuates himself into the life and home of weak-willed Aubrey; dazzled by Ruthven's worldliness and urbanity, the young man invites him into his aunt's home. Thus begins a chilling campaign of seduction and blood-lust from which no one - especially not the three pretty young women of the house - is safe.

This classic Halloween chiller is based on what may have been the original Gothic vampire tale, believed by many to have been the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Chills, thrills and a touch of black humor, climaxing in an electrifying final scene.

Includes violence. Suitable for teens and adults.

Cast of characters

• Lady Harwood - Erica Jones
• Lydia - Missy Marine
• Melissa - Crystal Beattie
• Constance Holstein - Susan Jones
• Mrs. Kent - Kay Roth
• Tess - Shauna Thibert
• Aubrey - Kevin Christianson
• Durward Lennox - Trevor Brandt
• Roger Holstein - Chris Baird
• Bones - James Crawford
• Ruthven - Rylan Woodrow
• Corso - Joshua Winter

Director

Russ Roberts, a veteran of ACT's stage, steps behind the scenes to direct his first play for us.

Web links

• The Vampyre - Complete text of John Polidori's 1819 short story, via Project Gutenberg
• John Polidori and the Vampire Byron - How the story came to be written, and its links to Lord Byron and Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"