If you expect blood to be a reoccurring theme in ACT’s current production of “Dracula,” you would be correct. Playwright Steven Dietz definitely dials up the blood quotient in his latest iteration of this gothic horror.

A quick glance at ACT’s content advisory confirms these imbrued leanings. Among other things, patrons are warned that the production contains, “…violence, epic amounts of stage blood and gore, creepy crawlies, things that go bump, and the curse of the undead.”

But if the sight of blood makes you squeamish, don’t freak out. There is plenty of high drama and well placed levity that makes this production of “Dracula” maniacally delicious.

In search of ‘new’ blood

The overall premise of this classic will be recognizable to anyone who has crossed paths with the blood thirsty Count in the past.  Starting off in Transylvania, Dracula makes his way to England in search of ‘new’ blood. There, he ultimately sets his sights (and teeth) on Mina. But, not before visiting his misfortunes upon Mina’s good friend Lucy.

With Lucy’s blood curdling scream, the stage is set for the final showdown between Dracula and Mina. Plenty of ghoulish action takes place in between, but I won’t ruin the fun with any spoilers.

Joined by her fiancée Jonathan Harker, and the good doctor John Seward, Mina is the one to take charge this time around. Piecing together Dracula’s diabolic moves, Mina settles the score as throats are slit, stakes are driven, and ultimately, sanguinarians are silenced.

With the cry of the wolf and the crash of the sea, “Dracula” is bloody good fun and perfectly paired with this Halloween season.

Cast and crew shines

The cast is solid with mainstays from the Seattle theater scene. The team of strong creatives from costume, lighting and sound, also shine as they create a disquieting den of shadow and light.

Blood Drive

Speaking of blood, ACT is hosting a blood drive with American Red Cross on Thursday, November 7.  Stop by ACT Theatre from 1 – 6pm, meet the cast and pick up some swag while you donate blood. Don’t worry, no teeth will be involved in the drawing of your blood. Reserve your spot here.

Dracula at ACT

ACT Theatre
700 Union St., Seattle
Performances through Nov 17
Tickets and show times: acttheatre.org