Displaying items by tag: Jeffrey Cass

Brightside Theatre’s rendition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, adapted by Stephen Dietz, captivates from the opening scene to its climactic finale. Ever since the 1992 Francis Ford Coppola film with Gary Oldman, Bram Stoker’s Dracula has fascinated me. It was a delight to see Brightside Theatre’s cast and crew brilliantly capture the excitement, romance, and terror of this classic tale. Each professional performer brought their unique talents to the show, creating an unforgettable experience.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a gothic horror story that follows Jonathan Harker, a young lawyer, who travels to Transylvania to help Count Dracula purchase a London estate. Harker soon discovers that Dracula is a vampire intent on spreading his undead curse to England. Meanwhile, Dracula's sinister influence spreads, threatening Harker's fiancée Mina and her friend Lucy. While Renfield eagerly awaits his master’s arrival, a group led by Professor Van Helsing joins forces to thwart Dracula's plans, resulting in a thrilling battle between good and evil. The tale explores themes of fear, seduction, and the clash between modernity and ancient evil.

Lucy (Julia Hope Budd) and Seward (Adam Boczar) in Dracula

The entire cast is excellent. Greg Kolack shines as Renfield, bringing immense energy and pathos to the role of Dracula's insane, bloodthirsty slave. Caitlin Wolfe captures Mina's innocent charm with a thoughtful and intelligent grace, making her the perfect target for Dracula's dark desires. Brady McNeil delivers a compelling performance as Jonathan Harker, convincingly portraying his transition from a rational businessman visiting Dracula's castle to a broken, mentally disturbed soul after enduring the bloody, sexual rituals of Dracula’s vixens. Julia Hope Budd delivers an exceptional and multifaceted performance as Lucy, the innocent victim who succumbs to Dracula's bloodthirst and transforms into a vampire. Budd lights up the stage with her sensuality and humor in scenes where she's pursued by suitors. As she transforms into a vampire, she remains equally compelling and thrilling to watch.

Also delivering a strong performance is Mike Boyna, who excels as Van Helsing, bringing a mature presence and delivering words of wisdom that resonate deeply with the audience in Steven Dietz's well-written adaptation. Seward is superbly played by Adam Boczar. His deep love for Lucy is clear, despite her referring to him as a "true friend." Seward's love and respect for Lucy is palpable, especially in the way he gently touches her wrist to take her temperature, as if overcome with emotion at the honor.

Of course, Danny Parrott excels as Dracula, bringing a spooky energy to the role. Parrot's strong, graceful, and sensual portrayal as he stalks his victims showcases both sides of Dracula—the powerful, commanding seducer and the violent, selfish monster capable of great cruelty and murder.

The vixens, portrayed by Erica Harrington, Daria Koon, and Kirstin Palatinus, were each sensuous and frightening, draped in beautiful silk robes.

The cast of Bram Stoker's Dracula

Throughout the play the production's lighting and sound effects, crafted by set designer Jeff Sand, Jay Fontanetta, and Kurt Ottinger, were exceptional, including its clever use of multimedia. I also thoroughly enjoyed Cheryl Newman's well-fitting and multilayered period costumes. Each outfit perfectly suited both the actors and the era, particularly the women's intricate, corseted silk ensembles.

During the play’s intermission, I spoke with Jeffrey Cass, Brightside’s Artistic Director, and Julie Ann Kornak, the company’s Executive Director and co-founder, praising their excellent work in creating the space—a delightfully intimate three-quarter thrust theater with comfortable seating, great sight lines, and effective special effects lighting. I was thrilled to learn that their upcoming season will feature more exciting productions like Dracula, including Jekyll and Hyde the Musical, the ever-romantic Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the uplifting musical comedy Pippin!

Skillfully directed by Jay Fontanetta, this thrilling, scary, and sensual production of Dracula is a must-see for audiences of all ages. It's the perfect Halloween treat for adults looking to celebrate the holiday without the usual haunted house fare!

Dracula is being performed at Brightside Theatre in Naperville through November 3rd. For tickets and/or more show information, click HERE.

For more than 50 years, Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s powerful masterpiece, Jesus Christ Superstar, has wowed audiences with its unorthodox look at the life and persona of Jesus Christ through its soaring lyrics and driving rock score. And so, it is most appropriate that BrightSide Theatre concludes its 12^th season, entitled “A Season of Passion,” with this impassioned classic rock opera.

From the iconic solo guitar rift to the poignant close as Mary, Jesus’ mother, cradles her crucified son’s head in her lap, BrightSide’s production at North Central College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall in Naperville provides a fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining evening powered by the strong vocal performances of the main cast and an exuberant ensemble.

The show, loosely based on the Gospels, focuses on the final days of Jesus’ life leading up to his crucifixion, as seen largely through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. At the heart of the story are the personal conflicts between Jesus, his disciples, the Jewish people, and the leadership of Rome, with special attention given to Jesus’ relationships with Judas and Mary Magdalene.

Conceived at first as a groundbreaking rock double-album in the early 70s, the music and lyrics by Rice and Webber, then only 25 and 21 respectively, has held up through the years. In BrightSide’s production, artistic Director Jeffrey Cass takes a contemporary approach to the show by imagining Jesus’ story in a modern setting, challenging the audience to consider how Jesus might be received in today’s culture.

To set the tone, the cast is clad in contemporary, edgy clothes and the set is minimal, utilizing metal scaffolding to flow from one scene to another. Cass also adds nice touches such as when the ensemble takes out their cell phones to record Jesus’ response after meeting with the Jewish High Priest, Caiaphas (played by Stan Austin). And, as what would be expected with any celebrity-sighting today, they jostle one another to grab a “selfie” with the proclaimed Messiah.

The only off-note for me was the wardrobe choice for Jesus, played by BrightSide veteran Edward MacLennan. While everyone else is edgy and modern, Jesus arrives on stage with what looked like a hooded bathrobe. I would have preferred him to have a more updated, dignified vibe than he did.

That aside, MacLennan turns in a masterful performance and demonstrates his incredible vocal range in two incredibly powerful scenes. In Act One, MacLennan captures Jesus’ passion and righteous anger in “The Temple,” and then his frustration as Jesus is overwhelmed by the needs of those clamoring for healing and help. In Act Two, MacLennan is outstanding as he portrays Jesus in Gethsemane, as Jesus struggles to comprehend and accept that path before him, his anguish palpable through MacLennan’s masterful vocalizations.

Turning in an equally strong performance is Michael Davis Arnold as Judas. Making his debut at BrightSide Theatre, Arnold’s strong and expressive vocals underscore his character’s personal doubts and questions about this man Jesus and his claims to be God. Arnold ably portrays Judas’ inner struggles, which come to a crashing climax as Judas, horrified by Jesus’ harsh treatment and the knowledge that he will forever be remembered as a traitor, can no longer live with his regrets. Encouraged by the three Tormentors (wonderfully performed by Kassidy Alderman, Amber Golich, and Julia Hope Budd), Judas kills himself.

Meghan Kessel, another BrightSide veteran, shines in her role as Mary Magdalene. Her beautiful and soulful rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” possibly the show’s most well-known signature songs, does not disappoint. And Caleb Hand’s Herod is hilarious. Flanked by his party-loving court, Herod struts and postures across the stage as he tries to coax Jesus into doing just one little miracle for him.

The show is propelled by an excellent ensemble that moves adroitly from adoring crowd to questioning disciples to a jeering mob calling for Jesus’ crucifixion, driven by the choreography of Jake Ganzer. The ensemble and cast are backed up by a talented group of musicians, under the experienced direction of Phil Videckis.

The show explodes into a glittering climax as the ensemble, led by Judas’ spirit, performs the title song, “Superstar,” questioning Jesus’ plan and purpose in coming to the world when he did before the dramatic closing as Jesus is led to the cross and put to death.

For those who grew up listening to the album as well as newcomers to this iconic rock opera, BrightSide’s entertaining rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar is a must-see production and well worth the trip to the western suburbs. You can catch Jesus Christ Superstar at North Central’s Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, now through June 23. Ticket information can be found at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497). 

It was a dark and stormy night (yes, it really was!) – the perfect ambiance for taking in one of theatre’s classic comedic thrillers, Ira Levin’s Deathtrap, staged by BrightSide Theatre at North Central College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall, in Naperville.

For knowledgeable theatre buffs, Deathtrap holds the record for the longest-running comedic thriller on Broadway. It was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Play, and was later adapted for the screen, starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve.

It’s the story of world-famous playwright Sidney Bruhl, who for the past 11 years has been riding the fading fame of his one and only hit play, The Murder Game. Having to squeak by on his wife’s income and forego his once lavish lifestyle, Sidney is looking for a way to regain his fame – and fortune.

As the play opens, Sidney is reading a manuscript that arrived in the mail from one of his seminar students. Much to his chagrin, the script is brilliant, and in his estimation, bound to be a smash hit. Sidney shares his thoughts with his wife, Myra, and together the pair conspire to make the manuscript their own. While Myra promotes collaboration (with Bruhl’s name taking top billing, of course), Sidney has a more sinister solution to their dilemma in mind.

At Sidney’s invitation, the young playwright, Clifford Anderson, arrives at their secluded Connecticut farmhouse, to discuss the manuscript. What ensues is a series of twists and turns, unexpected and shocking events, that keeps the audience guessing as to what will happen next. Throw in a hilarious neighbor, Helga ten Dorp, who just happens to be a noted psychic whose suspicions are spiked by the strange goings-on at the Bruhl’s house, and you have all the ingredients for an entertaining and lively evening.

Under the skillful direction of Jason Harrington, who directed BrightSide’s The Odd Couple last season, the cast turns in a well-paced and skilled performance. Even for those familiar with the plot, as I was, I found myself jumping and gasping at all the right places and thoroughly engaged throughout the evening.

Scott Kelley stars as Bruhl and turns in a convincing performance as the washed-up playwright looking for an easy way out of his writer’s block. Kelley has appeared in numerous other BrightSide productions, including the 2021 Miracle on 34^th Street, and is a veteran actor on the Chicago theatre scene. His hapless and anxiety-ridden wife, Myra, is excellently portrayed by Marianne Embree, who is appearing in her third BrightSide production.

Tyler Szarabajka, who plays the young playwright, Clifford Anderson, is making his professional debut in Deathtrap. He plays the role with just the right amount of cockiness and youthful assurance that makes him a great foil to his uptight, older mentor and hero. And Lisa Braatz absolutely shines as the quirky psychic, Helga ten Dorp, as she makes one outlandish prediction after another as she “senses” the pain and trauma in the room. The cast is rounded out by John Zimmerman as Porter Milgrim, the staid family friend and attorney for the couple, who brings a modicum of somberness to the proceedings – until the final scene!

Adding to the overall experience of the production is the theatre itself. Located on North Central College’s campus, just a few blocks off downtown, this gem of a theatre offers theatregoers an intimate and cozy interaction with the performers. There’s not a bad seat in the house, and you feel as if you are in on the action because of the proximity to the actors.

BrightSide Theatre, under Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak, is now in its 13^th season. Billed as Naperville’s only professional theatre performing in the historic downtown district, BrightSide has won “Best of Naperville” Live Entertainment Venue for the past six years. Even though I’ve lived in Naperville for years, this was my first introduction to BrightSide Theatre, and I was not disappointed.

For theatre-enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an entertaining night at the theatre, without the fuss and bother of going downtown Chicago, BrightSide’s Deathtrap production will more than satisfy. Add in its location right off the downtown with access to Naperville’s many and varied dining options, and you have the perfect combination for dinner and theatre.

You can catch Deathtrap at North Central’s Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, now through March 24^th. Ticket information can be found at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497).