Renfield bites with chills, thrills and love at The Boom

Robert JM Productions presents Renfield, a chilling and bloody love story at The Boom Dinner Theatre. Written and directed by Robert Matson, Renfield, the bug-eating lunatic, is taken from the pages of the horror novel Dracula, and set in present day with a boyfriend.

“Having played Renfield, I was always fascinated by this ‘doomed’ character. I wanted to give him another story in my own words and vision,” says Robert Matson. “I’m excited to restage the show again, with most of the original cast. This time we’re exploring the relationships with more depth, emotion, and passion but still keeping the bloody fun.”

Renfield has taken care of his master for over twenty years, and is growing tired of it. When he finds love with Otto, the guy from the dry cleaners, Renfield asks for his freedom. He soon finds out there is a bloody price to pay for happily ever after. Scotty Taylor, a local OKC actor who has graced the stage with many of the local theatres, stars as Renfield. “I like playing Renfield for many reasons. He begins the show very naive and sheltered. Through the course of the story his eyes are opened up to a world he never knew existed before,” says Taylor. “In the end he has to ultimately choose between his life and his one true love. Which one does he choose? You'll have to come and see.”

Clayton Blair plays the lovesick, dry-cleaning hero, Otto, with Sean Eckart as the intense and passionate Master, and Holly McNatt as the wise cracking vampire to be, Sheila. Supporting cast members include Todd Tracy, Kris Schinkse and Kaleb Bruza.

Musical artists Bart Varner and Amanda Fortney have created original music for the show and will be performing it live. There will be a violinist playing through the scene changes with some enchantingly ‘haunting’ music.

“The Boom Dinner Theatre supports independent theatre artists,” says Matson, “and provides a wonderful, intimate space for the audience with some great food and drinks.”

Renfield performs Feb. 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at the Boom Dinner Theatre, 2218 NW 39th St. Performance starts at 8pm with dinner service at 6:30pm. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased at www.rjmproductions.com or call 562-6877. Dinner and drinks are separate. Robert JM Productions produces and stages original and diverse theatre in Oklahoma City.

The Gayly – February 10, 2014 @ 12:25pm