Dracula: A COMEDY OF TERRORs
Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen
Directed by Damien Figueras
Photo by Rebecca Gudelunas Photography
A special thank you for your help with this production:
Colleen Hughes, John Gallagher, Lijnus, Tiffany Zelner, Rebecca Gudelunas and Kennedy Barrow.
Colleen Hughes, John Gallagher, Lijnus, Tiffany Zelner, Rebecca Gudelunas and Kennedy Barrow.
A Note from the Director:
Everyone knows the story of Dracula. At the heart of it is a story about a deep yearning to be seen and loved, even if sometimes the person to see us happens to be a blood-sucking vampire! When I first read this adaptation of Dracula, I knew this was different from anything I had seen before. While the heart of the story remains the same, this adaptation moves like a comedy freight train hitting us with several jokes a minute. As the world gets bleaker by the day, it’s nice to just sit back and laugh. I hope you enjoy this hysterical take on a classic story!
Everyone knows the story of Dracula. At the heart of it is a story about a deep yearning to be seen and loved, even if sometimes the person to see us happens to be a blood-sucking vampire! When I first read this adaptation of Dracula, I knew this was different from anything I had seen before. While the heart of the story remains the same, this adaptation moves like a comedy freight train hitting us with several jokes a minute. As the world gets bleaker by the day, it’s nice to just sit back and laugh. I hope you enjoy this hysterical take on a classic story!
Cast and crew bio's
Stage Manager/ Production Manager: Celia HuttonJohns (she/her) is a Philly based stage manager and nyt strands enthusiast. Celia is Curio’s resident stage manager and enjoys exploring the most likely haunted corners of the theater. In her free time, she can be found listening to The Life of a Showgirl and watching Eagles games. Credits include Poor Judge (Pig Iron Theatre Company), Amsterdam (Theatre Ariel), The Thanksgiving Play, Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story, and The Complete Deaths (Curio Theatre Company), SPEECH (Lightning Rod Special), and The Taming! and Pericles: Prince of Tyre (Shakespeare in Clark Park). Lots of Love to everyone at Curio.
Assistant Stage Manager: Maddy Foler (she/her) is a freelance stage manager based in South Jersey. Recent credits include: Stage Manager of Young, Queer, and Stupid & of It’s Giving… Single (2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival), InterAct Theatre Company 2024-25 Season Apprentice (House Manager of Moreno and Rift, or White Lies, Production Assistant of Quixotic Professor Qiu and On My Deen), Stage Manager of Grief: A Love Story by Larry Hirschhorn (2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival), ASM of AzukaFest, ASM of Variety Pack, Stage Manager of In the Continuum (Plays & Players), Follow-spot Operator on The Color Purple at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.
Director: Damien Figueras (he/him) is an eight-time Barrymore nominated sound designer and composer. He is thrilled to be directing for Curio! Recent directing credits include: Twelfth Night and The Pit (Arcadia University), We Can't Wait (Tiny Dynamite). Recent Design credits include: Party Face (Off-Broadway, NY City Center), Falsettos (Arden Theatre Company), Cabaret (Bristol Riverside Theatre), Peter and the Starcatcher (DTC), A Hit Dog Will Holler (Azuka Theatre), Kiss (Wilma Theatre), Penelope (Theatre Horizon), Topdog/Underdog (Passage Theatre), Lovesong (Inis Nua Theatre), Beehive (Walnut Street Theatre). In addition to his design work, Damien is the Production Manager for Wolf Performing Arts Center. As always, he would like to dedicate his work to the memory of his mother. DFigueras.com
Mina and Dr. Van Helsing: Jack Taylor (He/Him) is excited to be returning to Curio Theatre! He made his Curio debut last year in Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story. Jack is an actor and director currently based in Baltimore and his credits range from D.C. to Philly including: Head Over Heels, Constellation Theatre Company; Diva! Live From Hell, Philly Fringe Festival 2024; It’s the Comedy of Errors, Hon! Chesapeake Shakespeare Company; Charlotte’s Web, The BFG, Arden Theatre Company. Jack is an artistic associate with Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore’s premiere professional queer theatre, where his credits include An Act of God (God) and The Rocky Horror Show (Brad). When not working in the theatre, you can find him serving eggs and coffee by day and serving looks by night. Up next: *Check back later* Many thanks and love to his family and close friends who are his biggest supporters. Arcadia University BFA in Acting. @jcktylor_ and www.jcktylor.com
Ship's Captain, Dr. Westfeldt and Renfield: Emmie Parker (she/her) is a Philadelphia based theatre artist, educator, and problem-solving enthusiast. Emmie is thrilled to be making her Curio debut! She works as a Stage Manager, Wardrobe Supervisor, Performer, and Teaching Artist. She has worked at Pig Iron Theatre, Delaware Theatre Company, Walnut Street Theatre, Azuka Theatre, Theatre Horizon, Inis Nua and more. Emmie is passionate about Devised Theatre, being a goof, and salty snacks. She received a BFA in Acting from Arcadia University.
Dracula: Matthew Carter (he/him): As a long-time creature of the night and massive vampire enthusiast, Matt is pretty bloody thrilled for the opportunity to play the count. Some of Matt's favorite past roles include Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, J. Finch/Zack Smith in PUFFS, and Jim in Lifespan of a Fact. Matt's interests, aside from the aforementioned love of gothic monsters, include clownery, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Real Housewives, and his daughter Marceline who is also a dog. He would like to thank his director Damien for turning him into a bloodsucking menace, his cast for making it difficult to stifle a laugh onstage, and his partner Daniel. Daniel is the love of his life, and not even a bulb of garlic or a stake to the heart would keep them apart.
Lucy and Kitty: Janine Silano (she/they) is primarily a songwriter and bar-wench but has recently decided to revive her acting career from its grave. Her most recent stage performance was this spring at the Stage Crafters Theater as Izzy (Rabbit Hole). Believe it or not, Janine also graduated from Arcadia University with a BFA in acting! Her past lives at AU include Hedda (Hedda Gabler), Danny/Diana (Sensitive Guys), Lin (The Great American Trailer Park Musical) and others. In fact, the very first play Janine did at Arcadia was alongside Emmie Parker, directed by Damien Figueras! She is overjoyed to bring the old days back to life with this incredible cast and crew. Thank you to Damien and the company for the opportunity to create something sensationally silly. Last but never least, Janine holds massive gratitude for the support of friends and family while attempting to reintegrate theatre into her life.
Harker, Suitors and Gravedigger: Riley Candyanne Sheetz (they/them) is unbelievably thrilled to be making not only their curio debut but their professional one as well! They are a Philly and DC based theater artist who loves to wear many hats (both physically and metaphorically.) Riley is passionate about games, giggles, and gingersnaps and can't wait to see what comes next in their career. Look out Philly here they come! Awarded B.A. Theater Arts from Arcadia University as well as the Shakespeare Theater Award for excellence and versatility in theater.
Lighting Design: Siobhan Frigge Ehresmann (she/her/hers) is proud to be working with Curio to bring Dracula to life! She carries a varied history ranging from building the set for QVC+'s Busy This Week, to Lighting Designing new works in the Fringe Festival. She holds a BFA from Arcadia University, with most of her artistic interest focused towards Lighting Design. You may have seen her recent work in TBD's Urinal, UPenn's Small Mouth Sounds, or Curio Theatre Company's Thanksgiving Play.
Sound Design: Zoë Gilmore (they/she) is a theatre artist based in Philadelphia. Past credits include: ACHILLES (Sound Designer), NOSEJOB (Assistant Stage Manager), FRESH SQUEEZED (Director). Zoë is excited to be a part of the Lemonade Stand where they are the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement. Zoë would like to thank Damien for his guidance and the opportunity to create. So much love to E.
Set Design: Paul Kuhn (he/him) is Artistic Director and founding member of Curio Theatre Company.
Costume Design: Aetna Gallagher (she/her) is Artistic Associate and founding member of Curio Theatre Company.
Intimacy Direction: Colleen Hughes
CURIO COMPANY STAFF
Artistic Director: Paul Kuhn
Managing Director: Gay Carducci-Kuhn
Artistic Associate: Aetna Gallagher
Box Office Manager: Christin Coleman
Curio Publicist: Grayce Carson
Head of Social Media and Marketing: Tina DeLano and Paul Harrold
Assistant Stage Manager: Maddy Foler (she/her) is a freelance stage manager based in South Jersey. Recent credits include: Stage Manager of Young, Queer, and Stupid & of It’s Giving… Single (2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival), InterAct Theatre Company 2024-25 Season Apprentice (House Manager of Moreno and Rift, or White Lies, Production Assistant of Quixotic Professor Qiu and On My Deen), Stage Manager of Grief: A Love Story by Larry Hirschhorn (2024 Philadelphia Fringe Festival), ASM of AzukaFest, ASM of Variety Pack, Stage Manager of In the Continuum (Plays & Players), Follow-spot Operator on The Color Purple at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.
Director: Damien Figueras (he/him) is an eight-time Barrymore nominated sound designer and composer. He is thrilled to be directing for Curio! Recent directing credits include: Twelfth Night and The Pit (Arcadia University), We Can't Wait (Tiny Dynamite). Recent Design credits include: Party Face (Off-Broadway, NY City Center), Falsettos (Arden Theatre Company), Cabaret (Bristol Riverside Theatre), Peter and the Starcatcher (DTC), A Hit Dog Will Holler (Azuka Theatre), Kiss (Wilma Theatre), Penelope (Theatre Horizon), Topdog/Underdog (Passage Theatre), Lovesong (Inis Nua Theatre), Beehive (Walnut Street Theatre). In addition to his design work, Damien is the Production Manager for Wolf Performing Arts Center. As always, he would like to dedicate his work to the memory of his mother. DFigueras.com
Mina and Dr. Van Helsing: Jack Taylor (He/Him) is excited to be returning to Curio Theatre! He made his Curio debut last year in Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story. Jack is an actor and director currently based in Baltimore and his credits range from D.C. to Philly including: Head Over Heels, Constellation Theatre Company; Diva! Live From Hell, Philly Fringe Festival 2024; It’s the Comedy of Errors, Hon! Chesapeake Shakespeare Company; Charlotte’s Web, The BFG, Arden Theatre Company. Jack is an artistic associate with Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore’s premiere professional queer theatre, where his credits include An Act of God (God) and The Rocky Horror Show (Brad). When not working in the theatre, you can find him serving eggs and coffee by day and serving looks by night. Up next: *Check back later* Many thanks and love to his family and close friends who are his biggest supporters. Arcadia University BFA in Acting. @jcktylor_ and www.jcktylor.com
Ship's Captain, Dr. Westfeldt and Renfield: Emmie Parker (she/her) is a Philadelphia based theatre artist, educator, and problem-solving enthusiast. Emmie is thrilled to be making her Curio debut! She works as a Stage Manager, Wardrobe Supervisor, Performer, and Teaching Artist. She has worked at Pig Iron Theatre, Delaware Theatre Company, Walnut Street Theatre, Azuka Theatre, Theatre Horizon, Inis Nua and more. Emmie is passionate about Devised Theatre, being a goof, and salty snacks. She received a BFA in Acting from Arcadia University.
Dracula: Matthew Carter (he/him): As a long-time creature of the night and massive vampire enthusiast, Matt is pretty bloody thrilled for the opportunity to play the count. Some of Matt's favorite past roles include Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, J. Finch/Zack Smith in PUFFS, and Jim in Lifespan of a Fact. Matt's interests, aside from the aforementioned love of gothic monsters, include clownery, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Real Housewives, and his daughter Marceline who is also a dog. He would like to thank his director Damien for turning him into a bloodsucking menace, his cast for making it difficult to stifle a laugh onstage, and his partner Daniel. Daniel is the love of his life, and not even a bulb of garlic or a stake to the heart would keep them apart.
Lucy and Kitty: Janine Silano (she/they) is primarily a songwriter and bar-wench but has recently decided to revive her acting career from its grave. Her most recent stage performance was this spring at the Stage Crafters Theater as Izzy (Rabbit Hole). Believe it or not, Janine also graduated from Arcadia University with a BFA in acting! Her past lives at AU include Hedda (Hedda Gabler), Danny/Diana (Sensitive Guys), Lin (The Great American Trailer Park Musical) and others. In fact, the very first play Janine did at Arcadia was alongside Emmie Parker, directed by Damien Figueras! She is overjoyed to bring the old days back to life with this incredible cast and crew. Thank you to Damien and the company for the opportunity to create something sensationally silly. Last but never least, Janine holds massive gratitude for the support of friends and family while attempting to reintegrate theatre into her life.
Harker, Suitors and Gravedigger: Riley Candyanne Sheetz (they/them) is unbelievably thrilled to be making not only their curio debut but their professional one as well! They are a Philly and DC based theater artist who loves to wear many hats (both physically and metaphorically.) Riley is passionate about games, giggles, and gingersnaps and can't wait to see what comes next in their career. Look out Philly here they come! Awarded B.A. Theater Arts from Arcadia University as well as the Shakespeare Theater Award for excellence and versatility in theater.
Lighting Design: Siobhan Frigge Ehresmann (she/her/hers) is proud to be working with Curio to bring Dracula to life! She carries a varied history ranging from building the set for QVC+'s Busy This Week, to Lighting Designing new works in the Fringe Festival. She holds a BFA from Arcadia University, with most of her artistic interest focused towards Lighting Design. You may have seen her recent work in TBD's Urinal, UPenn's Small Mouth Sounds, or Curio Theatre Company's Thanksgiving Play.
Sound Design: Zoë Gilmore (they/she) is a theatre artist based in Philadelphia. Past credits include: ACHILLES (Sound Designer), NOSEJOB (Assistant Stage Manager), FRESH SQUEEZED (Director). Zoë is excited to be a part of the Lemonade Stand where they are the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement. Zoë would like to thank Damien for his guidance and the opportunity to create. So much love to E.
Set Design: Paul Kuhn (he/him) is Artistic Director and founding member of Curio Theatre Company.
Costume Design: Aetna Gallagher (she/her) is Artistic Associate and founding member of Curio Theatre Company.
Intimacy Direction: Colleen Hughes
CURIO COMPANY STAFF
Artistic Director: Paul Kuhn
Managing Director: Gay Carducci-Kuhn
Artistic Associate: Aetna Gallagher
Box Office Manager: Christin Coleman
Curio Publicist: Grayce Carson
Head of Social Media and Marketing: Tina DeLano and Paul Harrold
