This is not Bram Stoker’s Dracula; this is the much anticipated Virginia premiere of Ben Stevenson’s Dracula. For over 25 years, it has been performed around the world and has finally landed in Virginia with the Richmond Ballet for Valentine’s weekend.
Expect imaginative artistic license and several departures from the plot and characters of the original source material. Stevenson’s ballet debuted in 1997 for the 100th anniversary of Bram Stoker’s book. It was a collaborative effort with Houston and Pittsburgh ballet. Mr. Stevenson was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) by Queen Elizabeth II in December 1999 among many other accolades and awards for excellence in ballet.
The Richmond Ballet is drawing heavily from the original 1997 production through costumes and scenery. Richmond’s production also features lavish and ethereal looks designed by Judanna Lynn, including a spectacular take on Dracula’s iconic cape. There is also moody lighting design from Tim Hunter and striking scenery and a ghastly carriage created by Thomas Boyd.
The Richmond Symphony will accompany the ballet, playing the haunting works written by composer Franz Liszt and arranged by John Lanchbery especially for Stevenson’s Dracula. The Richmond Symphony will be joined by guest pianist Douglas-Jayd Burn. Richmond Ballet Resident Conductor Erin Freeman will tie the two companies together in Liszt’s work.
Franz Liszt was a Hungarian piano virtuoso and musical prodigy whose work captured the dark mystique and historic folklore of the area during the Romantic period. It is said he was a great romantic himself and even fell in love with one of his students, but her father ended the relationship. Later, Liszt became the paramour and baby daddy of French countess Marie D’Agoult, a feminist, muse, and author who secretly published her work under the masculine pen name, Daniel Stern.
Repetiteur Dominic Walsh, a former principal dancer with Houston Ballet who was a member of the original Dracula cast, will guide the Richmond Ballet casts through Stevenson’s choreography for this production. Two full casts will perform just five shows February 16-18, 2024, at Richmond’s Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center.
Richmond Ballet’s Associate Artistic Director Ma Cong has worked on Dracula with Tulsa Ballet in the past. Cong says, “This is a truly bold ballet with a high production value and dramatic choreography that evokes the spirit of a blockbuster show while still maintaining the classical ballet style that our audiences crave.”
Principal dancer, Sabrina Sabino, plays the character Svetlana, the young, innocent maiden, and object of Dracula’s desire. Sabino says that one of the greatest challenges for much of the female cast was adding an “undead” or “mesmerized” affectation to precise classical ballet techniques. The TV audience will see corps de ballet work and delicate dancing en pointe as well as some hints of modern dance and acrobatics along with grand costumes and dazzling special effects.
This is not only a different take on Dracula; this is a different take on ballet. Enough of the original work shines through to be familiar. The themes of sexual awakening, gender, consent, power, and corruption remain heavy in the work. Enough newness and artistry come to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Richmond has a well-known goth, punk, metal, and creative counter-culture scene and even our own local Vampire folklore. Perhaps that has played on the company’s decision to present this piece for Valentine’s Day weekend. They have certainly departed from the rotation of traditional romantic ballets like Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake, and Cinderella we have previously expected from the Richmond Ballet for Valentine’s Day.
Whether you come as a lover of horror film, theater, music, art, or dance, you will find something to warm your heart and get your blood pumping.
Tickets to DRACULA start at $25. Tickets may be purchased online at etix.com, by phone at 804.344.0906 x224, or in person at the Richmond Ballet Box Office, 407 East Canal Street, Monday – Friday, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Dracula
February 16-18, 2024 | Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center 600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
Friday, February 16 7:00PM
Saturday, February 17 2:00PM & 7:00PM
Sunday, February 18 1:00PM & 6:30PM
Article by Lauren Vincelli of Richmond Moon Market
RICHMOND BALLET DRACULA REHEARSALS 2024
