For those wishing to view something this Halloween season filled with horror, Wimberley Players, Dracula is for you. Yet this particular presentation is a story filled with love, redemption, horror and loss among many other themes. I typically do not offer reviews on plays I have viewed except certain things to certain actors or to tell people to see or to pass on certain shows. In the last year I have seen only one show more than once - the Gilbert and Sullivan Society in Austin presentation of The Pirates of Penzance and now I am sure Dracula. This show deserves as much of an audience as it can hold. I was invited to see the preview of this show tonight and on a strong recommendation of a cast member decided to journey to see it - usually I wait to see a show - This one was ready from beginning to end. The strong acting, costumes which were so within the proper period, directing, lights were all good - visually and sound wise you need to pay attention to be awe struck by what you see.

     Special notes that Rick Billings was dead on for Dracula, the charm and horror wrapped together were about as fine a role I had seen. I have equal praise for the talents of Katie Combs Meldrum and Rebecca Ferguson who illustrated strong willed, determined, lovely and sympathetic characters of Mina and Lucy. David Bisett did as fine of an acting role as I have seen of him and for me was Renfield, the madman. Chris Higgins as Harker illustrated a range of character that offered a roller coaster of emotion. Dan Williams brought a Van Helsing character to the stage that fit the exact bill of what I think Bram Stoker intended. There are other fine performances but there were no programs (only due to preview). Lastly I would say that the directer Lee Colee-Atnip was able to bring from these gifted actors a show that only felt as a community theatre piece when you are warmly greated after the show - I know personally Lee can demand great things but that when great things happen - bravo.

Stephen Reynolds

September 25, 2008