Brainerd Community Theater Brings Laughter to the Stage with “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors”

The Brainerd Community Theater at Central Lakes College (CLC) is set to bring audiences a fresh, hilarious twist on the classic vampire legend with “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.” This comedic take on Bram Stoker’s famous story mixes the clever humor of Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and The 39 Steps into a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud production that’s perfect for the Halloween season.

The play will run at the Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College, located at 501 W. College Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 23, 24, 25, 30, and November 1, with a special 9 p.m. show on Halloween night, October 31. Tickets are available through the CLC Performing Arts Center website or by calling the box office at 218-855-8199.

Online ticket sales close two hours before each performance, and there’s a $1 service fee per ticket.

The show is recommended for audiences ages 16 and up, and ASL interpretation will be available on October 24. Accessible seating is also provided, but attendees are encouraged to contact the box office in advance.

Director Amy Borash and Producer Joey Yow, who also serves as the Director of the Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center, are leading the production. Borash first discovered this off-Broadway comedy through theater TikTok, where clips of the show caught her attention. “The clips were hysterical, and I just thought, ‘Oh my gosh, someday this will be so much fun to do,’” she said. Since the show never made it to Broadway, performance rights became available quickly after its off-Broadway run, and Borash jumped at the opportunity to bring it to Brainerd.

When Borash pitched the idea to Yow, he immediately agreed. Together, they consulted with community members and regular actors, all of whom responded enthusiastically. Yow explained that the Brainerd Community Theater often aligns its productions with the time of year—so a Dracula-themed show is a natural fit for October. He also hinted at a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer production planned for the Christmas season.

The production’s most unique aspect is its five-person cast, who play a variety of characters throughout the show. This small cast brings both challenges and comedic opportunities. “Helping them define each character and make each one noticeably different is a big part of the directing process,” Borash noted. Quick costume changes, precise blocking, and even moments where actors play multiple roles at the same time make the performance both complex and entertaining.

Matt Hill, who plays Dracula, channels the character’s trademark confidence and charm, blending the dark allure of the classic vampire with the playful energy of the show. Yow described the overall tone as “an ‘80s glam rock version of Dracula,” promising audiences an over-the-top and energetic experience.

Casting the show proved to be one of Borash’s toughest challenges yet, with many talented actors auditioning. She even joked about doing “eight shows and letting everyone get four performances.” Yow added that it’s a great problem to have: “We’ve been very fortunate that we’ve grown the number of people who want to be part of our shows.”

Both directors emphasized how much fun the team is having. “It’s a super fun way for cast members to get in the holiday spirit and celebrate with their chosen family,” said Borash. Yow added, “I want audience members to leave saying, ‘Wasn’t that hysterical?’ or ‘That was really cool how they did that.’ That’s what makes theater so special.”

For full show details, ticketing, and accessibility information, visit the CLC Performing Arts Center events page.