Allen, TX, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Allen Contemporary Theatre will showcase ‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors’, a humorous rendition of the classic tale, from October 3 to 19. Directed by Byron Holder, the show features a small ensemble cast acting out 13 roles, emphasizing physical comedy and clever wordplay. Performances will take place on weekends, with tickets priced between $20 and $25. The play promises a unique blend of parody and homage to the original Dracula story, ideal for local audiences seeking entertaining theater.
Allen
Allen Contemporary Theatre will present Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, a comedic take on the classic Gothic tale, running from October 3 to October 19, 2025. Performances are scheduled Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. Ticket prices are listed at $20 to $25, and tickets are available at the theatre’s ticket page: www.AllenContemporaryTheatre.net/tickets. The production is directed by Byron Holder and will be performed at the Allen Contemporary Theatre, located at 1210 E. Main St. #300, Allen, TX.
Key details
The play reimagines the familiar Dracula story with broad comedy. The central figure, Dracula, is presented as a comical yet ruthless antagonist seeking to conquer London. Opposing him is Dr. Van Helsing, depicted as unflappable and clever, who counters Dracula with eccentric and inventive strategies. The production moves between Transylvania’s haunted castles and London drawing rooms, blending parody with a celebration of Gothic elements.
The show uses a small ensemble cast that portrays multiple characters: actors Benjamin McElroy, Walt Threlkeld, Isabella Wilson, Katie O’Brien, and Brett Lee share a total of 13 roles. The staging emphasizes wild physical comedy and clever wordplay, relying on rapid character changes and ensemble work rather than large sets or a large cast.
Why the production matters locally
Allen Contemporary Theatre has scheduled the production as part of a season that previously included several notable offerings. Recent seasons at the venue have frequently sold out, and the theatre expects a strong audience for this staging based on past attendance patterns. The production’s compact cast and emphasis on physical comedy align with the theatre’s history of intimate, actor-driven shows.
Performance and ticket information
Show dates span three weekends in October, with performances on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees. Tickets are priced between $20 and $25. Prospective attendees are directed to the theatre’s ticket page at www.AllenContemporaryTheatre.net/tickets to check availability and purchase. The theatre’s address is provided for patrons planning in-person attendance: 1210 E. Main St. #300, Allen, TX. No additional accessibility or runtime details are provided in the announcement.
Production team and cast
The production is led by director Byron Holder. The five-member cast—Benjamin McElroy, Walt Threlkeld, Isabella Wilson, Katie O’Brien, and Brett Lee—collectively perform 13 roles, switching characters throughout the performance to cover the story’s range of figures. The creative approach foregrounds ensemble timing and physical staging to deliver rapid shifts in tone and character.
Context within the season
Theatre patrons can expect this offering as part of a broader season lineup at Allen Contemporary Theatre. Other scheduled productions for 2025 include Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty (March 14–30), The Outsider (May 2–18), Curtains: A Musical Whodunnit (June 27–July 13), and Sense & Sensibility (August 15–31). This places Dracula in the autumn portion of the season and follows a sequence of varied genres at the same venue.
Attendance expectations
Theatre management anticipates strong interest based on the venue’s history of frequent sellouts for past shows. The small-cast, high-energy nature of the production and the familiar title reworked as farce are factors that may contribute to audience demand over the production run.
Background on the play style
The adaptation balances parody and homage: it lampoons Gothic tropes while retaining recognizable elements of the Dracula legend. The storytelling moves between the eerie atmosphere of Transylvania and the domestic spaces of London drawing rooms, with comedy arising from character interactions, rapid costume and role changes, and physical staging. The creative choice to have a compact cast assume many parts makes the production both a logistical and artistic exercise in versatility.
FAQ
When and where is Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors being performed?
The play runs at Allen Contemporary Theatre from October 3 to October 19, 2025. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. The theatre is located at 1210 E. Main St. #300, Allen, TX.
How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
Tickets are priced between $20 and $25. They can be purchased via the theatre’s ticket page listed as www.AllenContemporaryTheatre.net/tickets.
Who is directing and who is in the cast?
The production is directed by Byron Holder. The cast includes Benjamin McElroy, Walt Threlkeld, Isabella Wilson, Katie O’Brien, and Brett Lee, who together perform 13 roles.
What type of production is this?
The play is a comedic adaptation of Dracula that emphasizes physical comedy and clever wordplay. It moves between Transylvania and London settings and presents Dracula as a comical, ruthless figure opposed by an inventive Dr. Van Helsing.
Are there other shows scheduled at the theatre this year?
Yes. Other 2025 season productions at Allen Contemporary Theatre include Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty (March 14–30), The Outsider (May 2–18), Curtains: A Musical Whodunnit (June 27–July 13), and Sense & Sensibility (August 15–31).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors |
| Dates | October 3–19, 2025 |
| Showtimes | Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 PM; Sundays 3:00 PM |
| Ticket price | $20–$25 |
| Director | Byron Holder |
| Cast size | 5 actors sharing 13 roles |
| Venue | Allen Contemporary Theatre, 1210 E. Main St. #300, Allen, TX |
| Ticket purchase | www.AllenContemporaryTheatre.net/tickets |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Broadway World: Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
- Times of India: Castle Dracula with WiFi Inside Epstein’s Mansion
- Los Angeles Times: Dia de los Muertos and a New Spanish Dracula Score
- Wikipedia: Dracula
- Google Search: Dracula theater reviews
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
