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Dracula

Reviewed by Jessica Salans

Theatre 68 at NoHo Arts Center

Through Nov. 1

From the Company that brought you the acclaimed Adam & Eve and Steve this summer at the Hollywood Fringe comes this abysmal production of Dracula.

The script, adapted by Jayce Johnson, apparently received a wonderful production from the New York chapter of the 68 Cent Theatre Group last year. If Johnson made any revisions, it is still a frail telling of the 1897 gothic horror novel by Bram Stoker.

The thin text goes unsupported with unspecific, wandering direction by Sophia Watt, who also directed the NYC production. Whether Watts or Johnson’s choice, the play begins with the ensemble’s females (each aptly named in the program as “succubus”) moving like spider creatures from hell, murmuring and caressing furniture like deranged lovers while Mina Murray (Rachel Zink) stands stock still in the center wrapped in white gauze like a half-dressed mummy. Instead of generating a sense of horror, the opening induces a sense of pathos, which permeates the entire production.

While the cast is clearly dedicated to the larger than life moments — of Dracula’s being possessed and disoriented in an asylum — none are believable in their roles or able to retain an authentic dialect for their characters. Most performances range from inept to grating, with overly sexualized depictions that are simply embarrassing. The best part of the show is the copious amounts of fake blood, used to excellent effect.

Theatre 68 at Noho Arts Center; 11136 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood; Fri.- Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7p.m.; through Nov 1. 90 minutes; www.theatre68.com