REVIEW: "DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS" | A Howlingly Funny Romp!

By Blaine Greenfield | BLAINESWORLD Chief Encouragement Officer

Hendersonville Theatre | October 9-25, 2026

MY RECOMMENDATION: I caught the second-to-last performance of "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors," and what fun it was! I'm glad I had the opportunity to see this entertaining production.

Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, this 90-minute comedy turns Bram Stoker's famous vampire story upside down. Think Mel Brooks meets Monty Python, with plenty of slapstick, double entendres, and actors playing multiple roles.

To the best of my knowledge, this is the first local production of the show.

A NOTE ABOUT THE CAST: After publishing this review, I learned that three understudies performed at the Saturday matinee I attended. The regularly scheduled actors were attending a wedding. Charles Tyler Bender filled in for Anthony Maranto, Kevin O'Lear for Jack Stanford, and Maggie Gardner for Lucy Hester. All three were so good that I didn't even realize they were understudies! I've since updated this review to recognize the performers I actually saw.

Bender was terrific as Count Dracula. He could be dashing and charming one moment, then downright hilarious the next. His comic timing made him a pleasure to watch.

Ben Means was equally impressive as Mina Westfeldt and Dr. Van Helsing. He portrayed Mina in the first half of the show, then returned as the very different Dr. Van Helsing in the second. He brought a distinctive personality to each role.

O'Lear did an excellent job portraying Jonathan Harker, along with several other characters. I especially enjoyed his transformation from the bumbling Harker we first meet into a radically different fellow after Dracula bites him.

Gardner was delightful as Lucy Westfeldt and Kitty. She had wonderful comic chemistry with O'Lear, especially in their romantic scenes after his character was bitten by Dracula. Those moments were among the funniest of the afternoon.

Joan Rinchisen was a particular audience favorite as Renfield, the Captain, and the Gravedigger. She got laughs practically every time she appeared. Her hilarious curtain speech even had the audience laughing before the show began.

Jorja Ursin brought plenty of comic energy to her roles as Dr. Westfeldt and the Driver. She made the most of both characters, adding her own enjoyable touches to the production's outrageous humor.

Director Elizabeth DeVault deserves considerable credit for her spot-on direction, ably assisted by River Spade as assistant director. Together, they kept the action moving while allowing the cast to make the most of the humor. The result was a production that never took itself too seriously.

Kudos also to Amanda McLoughlin, who served as production manager and designed the colorful costumes. Ashley Freeman handled stage management. Rowan Bishop's set design, Evren Nyx's props, and Mark Zampella's sound design all contributed to the overall enjoyment.

ONE FINAL NOTE: A special shout-out to Hendersonville Theatre for being one of the relatively few local theatres offering Saturday matinees. What a great opportunity to see a show, enjoy dinner afterward at one of the area's many fine restaurants, and still get home early.

Overall, this production reminded me that sometimes the best way to enjoy Dracula is not to be frightened by him but to laugh at him!