Milwaukee Ballet staging 'Dracula' for Halloween weekend

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Ballet is set to begin its 2023-24 season with a rendition of "Dracula" at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

This portrayal of Bram Stoker’s dark classic, directed by Artistic Director Michael Pink, has garnered global acclaim and a dedicated audience over the years. Pink's "Dracula" has been a popular production, with performances held by Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Colorado Ballet and Tokyo’s NBA Ballet in the 2022-23 season alone.

Audiences will follow Jonathan Harker's visit to Transylvania that will lead him to Count Dracula’s castle. In London, Dracula's sinister allure captivates Lucy, transforming her into Nosferatu, one of the undead. Dr. Van Helsing intervenes, housing Lucy in his sanatorium. The vampire then targets Harker's fiancée, Mina, intending a dark ritual in a crypt. However, a timely intervention sees Dracula's plans thwarted.

Marking a significant moment for Milwaukee Ballet, the upcoming shows will also serve as a farewell to Leading Artist Davit Hovhannisyan. After 20 years with the company, Hovhannisyan will transition to Rehearsal Director for the Second Company.

"Dracula" runs from Thursday, Oct. 26 to Sunday, Oct. 29. Tickets start at $44, available through the Milwaukee Ballet Box Office or their official website.