At Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, one of Halloween’s most iconic stories has once again been injected with fresh blood.
Following a sold-out run last season, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” returns to the stage with a comedic take on Bram Stoker’s classic tale from Oct. 9 through Halloween.
“This was one of our most successful productions of all time, and we loved welcoming so many new faces to the theater during the Halloween season,” said the organization’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips, who returns to direct the production for a second time. “We knew we had to bring it back for another year!”
Filled with “outrageous twists, playful innuendo, and more laughs than you can count,” the play promises to show a side of the Prince of Darkness that you’ve never seen before.
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” premiered Off-Broadway at New World Stages on September 4, 2023, where it quickly gained popularity with critics and audiences for its fast-paced farce and campy spin on Bram Stoker’s classic. The production became a viral sensation and went on to enjoy strong success across the globe.
Every performance of “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” at Cincy Shakes will feature Blood Bag Cocktails, Halloween candy, spooky surprises and killer music before the show. But because it’s Halloween season, the acting company couldn’t stop there. Most nights are packed with costumes, prizes, themed treats and even more frighteningly fun surprises. Below is a list of each night’s special promotions:
BLINKULA
Thursday, October 8 & Friday, October 9
Dracula is getting the BLINK treatment! Both performances start early at 6:30 PM, so you can see the show first and then head out to experience BLINK throughout the city. Grab a free BLINKULA Goodie Bag filled with glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth, bat rings, temporary tattoos, candy and more. Plus, pre-paid parking is available nearby so you can park before the BLINK crowds arrive. It’s the perfect spooky start to your BLINK night!
Insights: Behind the Bite
Thursday, October 15
Sink your teeth a little deeper into “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors!” Before the performance, join John Getz, Professor Emeritus of English at Xavier University, for a special Insights discussion exploring Dracula, comedy and what happens when one of literature’s most famous monsters gets played for laughs.
Costume Nights:
Friday, October 16 – Villains After Dark
Tonight, the villains take over! Dress as your favorite Halloween villain, from classic monsters and movie baddies to your own devilish creation. We’ll crown our favorite villain of the night and award a themed prize. Evil has never looked so good!
Friday, October 23 – Bard Bash
Huzzah! It’s time to get fantastical. Come dressed in your best Renaissance, Shakespeare-inspired or fantasy look. Think kings, queens, fairies, knights, witches, woodland creatures and more. Our favorite look of the night will take home a themed prize!
Friday, October 30 – Double, Double, Toil & Trouble Night
Calling all witches, wizards and magical mischief-makers! Dress in your best witch or wizard-inspired costume for a chance to win a themed prize. We’ll also have exclusive spooky cocktails and drinks on the menu for the evening. Consider it your Halloween Eve warm-up!
Saturday, October 31 – Ultimate Halloween Costume Double Header
It’s Halloween, and which means the cast is going all in with two performances at 2 and 7:30 PM! Come in costume for the ultimate Halloween celebration at CSC, with themed prizes, candy in the lobby and plenty of spooky fun. Everyone who comes dressed up can stick around after the performance for a special group photo with the cast.
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” runs October 9 through 31, 2026 at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in Over-the-Rhine. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday matinees take place on October 10, 17, 24, and 31, with a Sunday matinee on October 18 and 25 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Cincy Shakes website.