DRUNK DRACULA is back for Houston Audiences for Third Season

The Drunk Shakespeare Society opens spooky season with crowd favorite

Get behind the scenes with Dillion Dewitt, playing the role of Dracula

Drunk Dracula, presented by the Drunk Shakespeare Society, will be onstage through November 8 at The Emerald Theatre.

During this limited run, one actor takes five shots of whiskey before attempting an epic retelling of Transylvania’s thirstiest bachelor, Dracula.

“There’s no better way to kick off the Halloween season than with history’s most famous vampire,” said David Hudson, Co-creator and Producer, Drunk Shakespeare. “We are excited to pay homage to the original drinker and continue bringing our brand of mayhem back to spooky season here in Houston.”

MEET DILLON DEWITT, who will play the role of Dracula

Share please a little history about yourself & how you got into acting/performing? My sophomore year of high school I took a technical theatre class to satisfy my necessary art credit. Well, I accidentally signed up for the wrong class and ended up in a theatre arts class. To my surprise I really enjoyed it – and most of all, it helped me get out of my shell and get over my immense teenage shyness. After that I continued to pursue theatre through higher education and into a career.

How long have you been with the Drunk Shakespeare group, and what are some roles we might’ve seen you in before?  I have been with Drunk Shakespeare for about two years now. I have played Macbeth, Romeo, Dracula, Scrooge, and Long John Silver. A wide variety of roles to have fun with.

Tell us how you get into character b/c these performances are little different than the average play: A lot of stretching, water, and occasional vocal exercises. Whatever can get the energy flowing. These are high energy and fast paced shows. Have to make sure I am ready to hit the ground running.

What’s your favorite takeaway when performing these shows?   The most important thing for me is making sure everyone coming to see the shows are having a good time. When people tell me after the performance that they were smiling or laughing the whole time, that’s what brings me joy and a sense of fulfillment. 

Do you have a favorite show or character & why? They all have their own quirks that make them fun to play. I will say I am big fan of playing the more antagonist roles. Scrooge and Long John Silver start that way, but have a sort of redemption by the end. Macbeth and Dracula pay the price of their actions by the end of their respective stories. I enjoy living through those journeys. So those two hold the top spots for me.

What do  you hope people take away from coming to see a show like this?  That classical texts can be accessible to those who may not be familiar with them. Shakespeare was never something that I or my family had any sort of familiarity with until much later in my life. It was opened up for me in a way that I came to love. I want to continue to do that for those who have not been introduced to Shakespeare or any classical stage work yet. It is also a feat to balance that and make it fun for those who are well versed in these pieces. I want to break down many of the supposed walls holding people back from connecting to this work in an entertaining way.

ABOUT DRUNK DRACULA PERFORMANCES:

Drunk Dracula offers an evening of booze-infused laughs and unpredictability, blending wit and wildness. After centuries cooped up in his creepy old castle, Transylvania’s thirstiest bachelor needs fresh blood to maintain his youthful looks and chiseled physique.

Each performance, one ensemble member consumes five shots of the liquor of their choice to start the show, then leads the rest of the cast through a boozy, pop culture-infused retelling. While the sober cast attempts to stay on script, the show
shifts with the actor’s level of intoxication.

Craft cocktails and snacks are available throughout. Guests seeking a guaranteed hand in the story can purchase The Royal Throne for $504, which includes a regal throne, royal crowns, a bottle of Moët & Chandon, caviar and handmade chocolates, two signature cocktails with premium liquor, and decision-making powers during the play.

“Our talented group of actors are no strangers to this unconventional concept and are eager to bring tricks and treats to both new and returning audiences,” said Hudson. “Whether you’re looking for a unique date night or an immersive experience with friends, we invite you to join us for a memorable night like no other.”

Drunk Dracula is written by Lori Wolter Hudson and directed by Zac Kelty, co-created by Lori Wolter Hudson, Lisa Klages Calhoun, David Hudson, and Scott Griffin, and produced by Brass Jar Productions. Sound design by Patrick Calhoun; lighting design by Dawson Buckholz.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Drunk Dracula is an adult-only show (21+) featuring strong language, vulgarity, sexual humor, and audience interaction, with potential elements of nudity. Tickets begin at $53 at drunkdracula.com

Photo courtesy of Drunk Dracula