Review: ENNW “Dracula” 2013

Original ballet makes stunning debut
by Lily Olason

The legend comes to life in this delightfully original take on Dracula by Northwest Ballet Theater. Brilliantly choreographed by NBT’s artistic director John Bishop, and magnetically tethered to Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel of the same name, this show is killer and those classicist vampire fans among us will find nothing to gripe about.

Count Dracula (Joshua D. Deininger) and equally sadistic Countess Bathory (Natasha Keeley) make the baddest duo in Transylvania. Introducing several unsuspecting mortals to their endless way of life, the pair embraces the perpetuity of their gruesome situation with beautiful pirouettes and stunning grace. Deininger, adapting perfectly to a surly prince, moves like lightning and it’s totally believable he can morph into a bat at will.

When wily Dracula follows property attorney Jonathan Harker (Philip Borunda) to London to get a better look at his fiancée’s friend, Lucy (Miye Bishop), all hell breaks loose. Lucy’s bitten by the Count and nothing Dr. Van Helsing (Angus McLane) can do saves her from her ensuing fate.

Miye Bishop portrays Dracula’s unfortunate love interest impeccably, showcasing the artistry of the ballet and the ingenuity of this original piece just as well. The same may be said of Mija Bishop, tackling the work’s heroine, barometer of good, and best friend, Mina Harker.

Mr. Bishop’s choreography is visual dessert. Fast, slow, moving, stopping, everything is symmetrical. White and black fabric floats and spins, turns and glides, flies. It’s in-sync, electric, cream and ink swaying and swooping and spinning and falling over and over. Everything you’d want in a ballet, here it is.

Costumes by Holly Bennett, along with sets by Steven Craig and lights by David Wright meld in wonderful harmony to support everything that’s going on up there on stage. Their work is noticeable, and pretty darn well done.

And as wounded Dracula attempts to flee back to Transylvania with newfound immortal Lucy in tow, the Van Helsing task force is on the job. Perfectly cast Angus McLane, along with Arthur (Julian Young) and Jonathan at his side face off with the Vampire King to save the innocent once and for all.

Though the occasional preteen girl may be slightly disappointed no sparkly undead in pea coats appear, NBT’s thrilling and beautiful production of the original will entice audiences of all ages.

Dracula runs October 13th at 2 p.m. at the Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham. Tickets range from $32-$24. Call (360) 734-6080 to reserve a spot or order online. Two other performances are scheduled: October 25th, 7:30 p.m. at McIntyre Hall, 5201 East College Way, with tickets ranging $35-$24. Call (360) 416-7727 or online. November 1st the show appears at the Orcas Center on Orcas Island, tickets $28 or $18 for students. The Orcas Center is located at 917 Mt. Baker Road, Eastsound, WA. Call (360) 416-7727 to reserve tickets or order online.

I think it’s safe to assume these Halloween-week gigs will fill up quickly. Get your tickets early, folks.

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