Theater Review : Drunk Dracula

The older I get, the less interested I am in the Halloween party scene. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a good night out, but crowded rooms and the same old costumes don't have quite the appeal they once did. This year, I decided to switch things up a little bit and check out Drunk Dracula at the Sage Theatre in Washington, D.C. As it turns out, I may have found a new Halloween tradition.

A spin-off of Drunk Shakespeare, the show takes Bram Stoker's legendary vampire and adds a twist: one actor plays the title role while taking shots throughout the performance. The rest of the cast has to keep the story moving, no matter how unpredictable the evening becomes. On paper, that's a gimmick. Onstage, with the right people, it's a whole lot of fun.

My performance featured Brenden Peifer as Dracula, Julia Link as Buffy Van Yuengling, Alexander Bryan as the host, Alexander Carnot doubling as Harker and Seward, and Marissa Chaffee taking on Mina and Lucy. What struck me early was how much fun everyone appeared to be having. Nobody was simply standing around waiting for the next punchline. They were all in on the joke, and that enthusiasm carried over to the audience.

Now, I'm not about to ruin the best bits, because part of the pleasure of Drunk Dracula is not knowing what's coming. I will say the humor is largely meta, with plenty of playful winks at the material and the ridiculousness of the premise. Most of the jokes land with ease, thanks to a cast that understands timing is just as important as the punchline.

Peifer has the central assignment, but this is truly an ensemble effort. Link brings her own energy, Bryan keeps the night moving, and Carnot and Chaffee make their multiple roles feel like opportunities rather than chores. Everyone gets a moment to shine, which is why the production feels like a night out with performers who genuinely enjoy working together.

For anyone in the DMV looking for something beyond the usual dinner-and-a-movie date night, this is well worth considering. It's silly, self-aware, and doesn't overstay its welcome. I was so impressed with the show I plan on being a repeat customer.

Final Grade : A

For More Drunk Shows Vist : Drunk Shakespeare | One Actor, Five Shots, One Wild Show