Review: Ogden Musical Theatre’s ‘Dracula’
“Dracula”
Adapted by Jennifer Westfall, after Bram Stoker’s novel
Underscore music by Ryan Bruckman
Directed by Maddie Tarbox
Oct. 15-19
Ogden Musical Theatre
Peery’s Egyptian Theater
ogdenmusicaltheatre.org
THEATER REVIEW
Connor Padilla performs as Count Dracula in Ogden Musical Theatre’s production of “Dracula” at Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Oct. 15-19, 2026. Courtesy of Peery’s Egyptian Theater
Looking through my files, I see I knew Dracula, Connor Padilla, as a student in WSU's 2010 production of "Five Carols for Christmas." He was busy working through scenic construction and props, the paint shop, the costume shop and the running crew. If there was a job to do, he jumped right in!
After that, he was WSU’s Oedipus in “The Comedy of Oedipus” and WSU’s Richard Lionheart in “The Lion in Winter.” He has now evolved into a swashbuckler, because that’s what this Dracula is. Now, he is immortal. Dracula does not die in Ogden Musical Theatre’s production. Oops! Did I give away the ending? I think the reason he doesn’t get stabbed in the heart and lose his head is because Ogden will want Connor Padilla as Dracula again next year. In actuality, I hope I live to see him play an old man in his future other than old Dracula.
We all know what we think we know about Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This is Jennifer Westfall’s theatrical vision in our movie palace, Peery’s Egyptian. From the scrolling handwritten parchment letters on the wall, with accompanying drips of blood, to the dynamic music throughout, it is a movie house theatrical thrill. Kudos to scenic designer Wendall Peery and music/video designer Ryan Bruckman for the sensual experience.
Credit also needs to be given to the sound crew, who usher out Dracula into the multiverse at the end with glowing red lights and the loudest, longest roar I have ever experienced in a theater. The concrete floor was buzzing under my feet, and the volume from the speakers in front of me rattled my rib cage, diaphragm and stomach. I’m not exaggerating. I’m glad I have a strong heart!
Dracula himself evolves before us each time he tastes and drains the life of another victim. He starts out as a rotting corpse, with long, straggling white hair. After his first victim, he is still old but better coiffed. The third time, his hair is dark and long. Next, it’s dark and fashionably shoulder-length while he is dressed in fancy black and silver court garb, then with his coat off, revealing his nice vest. Slowly, with each victim, his vest opens up to his waist, sporting a makeup-enhanced six-pack. Okay, he’s handsome and well-built, but I’m paying attention to the way the director and costume designer, Citlali Urquiza, use his youth and beauty.
After all, Dracula is the ultimate sexual creature of the sexually repressed. His personality is SO compelling that he can’t be resisted. Submission is beyond your control, so don’t you dare invite him in. You’ll lose to him every time.
Help! Help! I’m being seduced. Oh! Oh! Oh, no! Oh, yes. Ahhhh...
This is the third annual Ogden Musical Theatre holiday special, and I guarantee it will continue as long as we love to contemplate this seduction. Have you had your Dracula fantasy today? Let Ogden Musical Theatre take care of that for you. They invite YOU in.