Acting alumna Lori Laing ’17 performs in the new Classic Stage Company production of Dracula by Kate Hamill. This rendition confronts the sexism in Bram Stoker’s original work and subjugates it as a smart and disquieting feminist revenge fantasy. Hamill’s signature style and postmodern wit upends this familiar tale of Victorian vampires and drives a stake through the heart of toxic masculinity.
Laing performs in Dracula in a repertory cycle alongside a new rendition of Frankenstein, reimagined by Tristan Bernays. The two productions share a creative team including Classic Stage Company’s Artistic Director serving as the Scenic Designer.
Making her Off Broadway debut, Laing performs the role of Marilla in Hamill’s new production directed by Sarna Lapine. Laing has appeared in television shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The First Wives Club, Giving Me Life (In the Land of Deadass), and The Other Two. Her theatre credits include productions at the Actors Temple Theatre, Theatre For The New City, and Heights Players Theatre.
Dracula at Classic Stage Company plays January 16 to March 8. February 22, there will be a special post-matinee chat with scholars and experts about Dracula and Frankenstein. This panel will take an in-depth look at the original novels as well as dramaturgical and production history of the many stage and film adaptations of these works. On February 26, there will be a post show discussion with Hamill, discussing her take on the classic tale and the importance of women’s roles in this ever-popular horror tale.
