A classic monster will get new life this month as the Modesto Junior College Theatre Department presents “Dracula,” written by Steven Dietz and directed by Professor of Theatre, Lynette Borrelli.

This dramatic retelling of Bram Stoker's timeless horror story closely follows the plot of the novel. The play chronicles Count Dracula’s journey to England, his stalking of two young women, and his pursuit and eventual defeat by the heroine’s suitors and their associates.

Borrelli read many vampire-themed scripts before picking the play by Dietz.

“I read six different Dracula scripts, from the 1920s until now. This one, for me, was the one because in other scripts Dracula is a main character, but he was not in it a lot. In this one he is (in a lot of scenes), along with Renfield the mad man,” Borrelli said.

In Dietz’s play — and Stoker’s book — Renfield is an inmate at the lunatic asylum overseen by Dr. John Seward, one of the heroines’ suitors. Jon Cates will be playing the temperamental character in the MJC production.

“He’s a breath of fresh air in the play,” Cates said about Renfield. “Everybody’s very proper or sexual and he’s neither. He’s the antithesis of English society. He’s the only character who actually wants Dracula.”

“Dracula” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 29 and 30.

Tickets are available at http://mjc.tix.com or at the Auditorium Box Office from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to curtain at each performance or by calling 575-6776 during box office hours. Admission is $10 general, $8 students/seniors (62 and better); with the Oct. 27 performance offering children and students, with ID, admission for $5.

To contact Kristina Hacker, e-mail khacker@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2004.