Video: Dracula resurrected on two Colorado stages this fall

Two Colorado performers are portraying the Prince of Darkness in two very different productions this month.

While both are dramatic adaptations of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel “Dracula,” one tells the classic story through theater and the other with dance. 

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center production of “Dracula,” written by Denver playwright Steven Dietz, runs through Nov. 2. Actor Matt Radcliffe plays the lead role in his debut performance at the venue.

“This version of Dracula is a little bit more wolf-like and beastial when he gets into those raging moments,” Radcliffe says. “Even though he’s a monster, I have to remember there are reasons behind what Dracula does and I have to try to tap into those reasons to humanize him a little bit.”

The Colorado Ballet presents “Dracula” at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver on Oct. 31 - Nov. 2. Principal dancer Dmitry Trubchanov takes on the title character for a second time in the Colorado Ballet’s production, choreographed by Michael Pink with music by Philip Feeney.

“Some people out there still think ballet is just tutus and pink tights, but it’s completely changed,” Trubchanov says. “This production is more theatrical. I try to make sure that my body actually shows what needs to be done so the audience can feel the tension and the mood on stage.”