'Dracula' returns to Etherredge Center stage

Bill Bengtson, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Oct. 16—Fangs are in fashion this weekend at the USC Aiken Etherredge Center, with Aiken Civic Ballet Company offering its presentation of "Dracula," an annual tradition that began in 2018 but was set aside in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.

The second of two shows is set for today at 7 p.m., and this year's cast is comprised of about 80 performers, including dozens of local dance students and several professionals from Roanoke Dance Theatre.

Choreography and the lead role are being handled by Norbert Nirewicz, a native of Poland who has performed around the world and throughout the United States. "It's for the whole family, from 3 to 93," said Nirewicz. "It's Dracula, but it's not scary at all. It should be fun ... Obviously, it changes a little bit from year to year."

Among other high-profile performers is Rolando Sarabia, from Cuba, in the role of Jonathan Harker, "the rich guy" who is in the process of selling a house to the main character, as Sarabia described the arrangement. "He sees a picture of my ... beautiful wife he tries to steal from me, and we fight to the end."

Daniel Howard, 15, is among the cast members, portraying the "dark creatures" and "townspeople." He said the show's plot and music do not change from year to year, but Nirewicz tweaks the choreography, and has five professionals as part of this year's company. Most of the performers live in Aiken County, he said.

Sarabia and Nirewicz expressed thanks for the staff and their fellow performers. Among the youngest members of the corps are "little bats" Juliette Portanova, Rowan Hughes, Madison Hamm and Ella Bland. Among other creepy critters are "spiders" Emmalyn Ewing, Alexis Hamm, Scarlett Portanova, Annabelle Volk and Madelynn Smith. Several performers play multiple roles.

Aiken has an unusual connection to the subject matter, as local resident Dacre Stoker is a great-grandnephew of Irishman Bram Stoker, the author of the classic 1897 novel that led to a variety of movies and other creations.

Tickets are $28.50 and can be purchased online at aikenballet.org. The price of $25.50 is available for seniors, members of the military and anyone 12 years old or younger. The company's announcement indicates that "this ballet may be scary for children under the age of 8." Details are at secretary@aikenballet.org.