When Jonathan embarks upon his journey to Transylvania, he is warned of the nosferatu—the undead—but he has no inkling of the true nightmare that awaits him. The mysterious count who lives in the ruined castle politely imprisons his guest and then sets sail England aboard the Demeter—not as a passenger, but as an item of cargo. Once there, he turns his attention toward Lucy, an acquaintance of Jonathan. Lucy’s disturbing behavior and worsening anemia arouse the suspicions of those who admire her. One of those admirers is Jack, the doctor whom she is to marry; another is Quincy, the American cattle baron whom she loves. Just as Lucy slips away, Jonathan resurfaces. Despite his narrow escape, he bears a harrowing burden. Jack’s eccentric colleague, Dr. Van Helsing, warns the men that Lucy’s passing will prove a trifle next to the daunting labor that stands before them. Jack and Quincy are doubtful; Jonathan is not. Dr. Van Helsing suspects that the secret to saving Lucy’s mortal soul lies buried in the troubled mind of Jonathan, whose greatest fear emerges when Mina, the love of his life, becomes the next victim of Count Dracula’s bloodlust.

Composed entirely in rhyming verse, this adaptation preserves much of the storytelling appeal of Stoker’s original. Also preserved is the epistolary form; through journal entries, monologues, and newspaper clippings, the narrative methodically unfolds. Scenic elements may include furniture pieces, lighting effects, and even projections.

This play casts 28 roles, plus an optional 8-10 non-speaking crowd roles. Doubling is possible.