Highlands theatre troupe Ctrl-ART-Del has released its 2025 performance lineup, with a comedic take on a cult horror classic set to take centre stage at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion in the spring.
Co-leads Amy Leis and Tim Nicholson announced Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors will run for a series of shows April 24 to 26. Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen and inspired by the original Bram Stoker tale, the play debuted on the New York theatre scene in 2023 and is getting ready to sink its teeth into smalltown Ontario early next year.
“Hang onto your garlic and your crucifix and let go of your pre-conceived gender roles. The world’s most famous vampire will be landing in Haliburton to drink blood and make love,” Nicholson said.
In describing the play, Nicholson said it centres around to-be-married couple Lucy Westfeldt and Jonathan Harker, who, after Lucy’s sister, Mina, falls ill with a mysterious blood disease, enlist the help of famed vampire hunter Dr. Jean Van Helsing to hunt for the fabled County Dracula and, possibly, a cure.
He described the production as a “whipsharp, campy, gender-bending romp where gothic horror meets Monty Python.”
A second show will debut in August – The Grown-Ups, by Skylar Fox and Simon Henriques. It centres on a group of camp counsellors trying to mold the leaders of tomorrow when tomorrow is looking bleaker and bleaker, Nicholson said. It will play at the Haliburton Legion Aug. 14, 16 and 17.
In addition to the two main productions, Leis said there will be a variety of pop-up workshops, activities and readings through the early months of 2025.
The pair hope to fill the production with familiar faces, hosting auditions for all roles Dec. 7 and 8 at the Haliburton Legion.
Sign up information is available online at ctrlartdel.ca.
Leis said there will be opportunities for performers of all genders, from high school age and up.
“We are more than happy to cast newcomers to theatre, and strongly encourage beginners to audition. If you’re anxious and want to know more about what to expect in the audition room, we can help,” Leis said.
After a successful 2024 season that saw several new actors make their debut on stage in Haliburton, Leis is hoping to see a similar outpouring of fresh talent next year. CtrlART-Del recently concluded its scene study student workshops, where seven fledgling actors and actresses performed four scenes and four monologues at the legion.
“We’re incredibly proud of the students who came out this year,” Leis said, noting they learned the basics of acting techniques and got a taste for how a production is put together.
Theatre enthusiasts who prefer to stay out of the limelight can also get involved – Leis said there are lots of opportunities to assist behind-the-scenes with wardrobe, props, sets, tech and sound, front of house, and stage management. To get involved, contact info@ctrlartdel.ca.
