"Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really": ★ ★ ★ ★

Wonderful acting, terrific staging, great sets and the monster gets what he deserves...we think. But with vampires, one never knows for sure.

Kate Hamill's retake of the classic Bram Stoker dark gothic thriller seems a lot more light-headed than the original, with the addition of a strong sense of outrage at the social condition in which women of the age appear to be confined: Stay single and be diminished or get married and become property. The women in this story aren't having any of this. They end up leading the assault against Count Dracula and all of male-dominated England while they're at it. The way they enthusiastically seal the fate of Count Dracula makes the entire audience cheer with each thwack of the silver cross and pointed stick.

 

Stacy Ross, Susi Damilano and Johnny Moreno are really, really good. Ross plays Renfield, a woman committed to an insane asylum by her husband (because that's what husbands can do), whose reasons for her erratic behavior become clearer by Act II. As always, Ross is funny and droll while also dealing with a demanding physical role. 

Damilano is Doctor Van Helsing, a cowboy-hat wearing Doctor who deals in inexplicable illnesses of other-worldly origins. We love it every time she upbraids Doctor Seward (Josh Schell), the symbol of male intrasigence. Having both Damilano and Ross on the same stage is a comedic banquet for  us.

Speaking of banquets, Johnny Moreno is a fabulous Count Dracula. He is the Anthony Bourdain of Transylvania. When he takes a bite of neck, he grunts with gourmet pleasure. As far as the expression "Consume or Be Consumed" goes, Count Dracula is the C in Consumer. 

Act Two starts slow with Van Helsing giving a perhaps overlong lecture on the history of vampires, but this is the only time we looked at our watch. The fun continues as the Count pursues further appetizers. 

RATINGS ★★★★

The San Francisco Theater Blog Awards Division grants "Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really" Four Stars. Bill English's direction moves actors and furniture seamlessly across Jackie Scott's brilliant stage. A shout-out for Nemma Aden for her terrific Lucy. And we must also mention Kathleen Giu's costumes and Michael Palumbo's lights. 

Keep in mind: This show employs a Blood Designer. You know. Dracula.

"Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really"

San Francisco Playhouse

450 Post St., 2d floor of Kensington Park Hotel

Through 6-27-26

$52-$145