Vampires, Frankenstein, werewolves, oh my!

With vampires taking over pop culture this year, the North Theatre is latching onto the craze — and just in time for Halloween.

In conjunction with the Little Theatre of Danville, The North Theatre’s Young People’s Theatre Guild is performing “Dracula, Baby” this weekend. The musical farce is set in Transylvania and is complete with all the regular characters of the classic novel — from the fanged bloodsucker himself to Frankenstein, Van Helsing and others.

Mimi Grubb, program director for the North Theatre’s Young People’s Theatre Guild, is directing the show, which features a cast of about 25 local kids and adults, ranging in age from 8 to 57. In the musical, Dracula’s heart is turned by the love of a good woman — a twist on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel.

“It’s a great Halloween trick-or-treating alternative,” Grubb said. “It’s very much a family show; it’s not just a kids’ show.”

Rebekkah Lipscomb, 19, plays Dr. Seward, head of the sanitarium and guardian of Lucy, Dracula’s bride-to-be. Lipscomb plans to attend Averett University in the spring to study theater.

“It’s just a really funny play,” she said. “There’s stuff for kids, adults. I’m really looking forward to the audience response.”

Courtney Baumgardner, 13, plays a host of characters and was also eager to see the crowd’s reaction to the cast walking through the aisles in the “monster scene.”

“I’m jus excited,” said cast mate Amber Evans, 14, who plays a witch. “We’ve been working really hard on this.”

Grubb said preparing for “Dracula, Baby” gave her the chance to teach the young actors about the classic novel and its context.

“That’s been one of the main objectives of the Young People’s Theatre Guild,” Grubb said. “Exposing these young people to a creatively educational experience and to have it housed in this professional of a setting is such an opportunity for these kids.

Whether you fancy ghosts, ghouls, witches, vampires, mummies, werewolves or Frankenstein, the show is sure to feed your Halloween cravings for creatures of the night. Children 12 and younger are invited to arrive in costume for a contest before each show and receive a small bag of candy after the show.

“It will be a ghoulishly entertaining night,” Grubb said.

If you go
“Dracula, Baby” at The North Theatre
Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
To participate in costume contest, arrive 30 minutes early
629 N. Main St.
Tickets $9 in advance (Rippe’s, Foxglove, The Brown Bean, Bronx Boy), $10 at the door

Weekend Halloween happenings
For ghoulish games and frightful nights, check out these other events around the area this weekend. But beware of the witches and werewolves that take to the streets when the sun sets.

For kids and families
Halloween Carnival & Dance, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Coates Recreation Center. For children ages 5 to 12. Doors open at 6 p.m., with carnival games until 7 and DJ until 9. Awards for best costumes, cost is $5 and includes refreshments and prizes. Information: (434) 799-5214.
w Stew & Halloween Festival, 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Laurel Grove Volunteer Fire & Rescue station, 2081 Laurel Grove Road in Sutherlin. Stew sold by the bowl and quart; activities, games and a costume contest for kids.
Halloween at the Farmer’s Market, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Community Market. There will be a pumpkin decorating contest for children, with pumpkins and w supplies provided. Call (434) 797-8961 or e-mail to register.

For adults
Young Professionals Halloween Party, 8 p.m. to midnight at Friday The North Theatre, 629 Main St. Food and drinks provided; costumes encouraged but not required. Music from DJ Steve Edmunds and a pumpkin carving contest. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Information (434) 836-6990. Ages 21 and older.
Halloween Costume Party, Saturday with The Pizazz Band at The Warehouse, 408 Greentree Road in Pelham, N.C., with more than $500 in prizes for best costumes.