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| "He's a goddamn vampire!" |
Well, here we are again, spookies—it's our season! It seems like only yesterday we were suffering through the overwhelming heat and inelegant humidity of a twenty-first century LA summer, and now without warning we're less than a week out from October. How did this happen?! Where does the time go?! [Insert your favorite existential aphorisms here.]
Fortunately, we have lots of Halloweenie fun to make that inexorable march toward the grave a little more inviting. And although I have yet to go to an actual haunt so far this year, I do have one proper spooky season event under my belt already: Drunk Dracula!
Presented by the Drunk Shakespeare Society, this raucous version of the Count has a pretty unique premise: One member of the cast (chosen at random) knocks back five (!) shots of liquor at the top of the show, adding an air of wild unpredictability to what could be a fairly stodgy stage production of everyone's favorite Victorian vampire.
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| Don't forget to tip your bartender! |
Given that premiese, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but Drunk Dracula was an absolute blast. The small cast was charming and hilarious, there was lots of audience interactivity, and the drinking aspect was fun without feeling forced. You could easily attend a performance even if you're sober: There was an NA version of the complimentary shot they offer the audience upon arrival, and there were mocktail options on the menu. (Of course, if you're in a more precarious place with your sobriety, I wouldn't recommend this show, as there are numerous references to and shameless displays of drunkenness throughout; although to be fair, with that title, you can't say they didn't warn you!)
The unpredictability of which cast member will be drinking (Hint: It's not always Dracula!) coupled with the loose, improvisatory style of the production means that Drunk Dracula has real potential for rewatchability, so if you fall in love with it, you could potentially go again and again never see the same show twice. Grab some dinner, have a cock(or mock!)tail or two, and let these talented, tipsy actors entertain you for the better part of two hours. I can certainly think of far worse ways to spend an October evening in Hollywood.
Drunk Dracula is running in several U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, D.C., Phoenix, and Houston. For those in Los Angeles, Drunk Dracula will be at the Hotel Cafe (1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.) in Hollywood through November 14th. Purchase tickets here.
