‘Dracula’ to Open Grove’s Season

An adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” will open the Grove Theater Center’s four-play maiden season, the latest attempt to revive the city’s downtown arts scene.

“Dracula,” to open Oct. 29 at the 172-seat Gem Theatre, will be followed by David Paterson’s “Finger Painting in a Murphy Bed” on March 22; Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on June 17 at the 550-seat outdoor Festival Amphtheatre, and Lanford Wilson’s “Talley’s Folly” on dates to be announced.

Last month, the City Council gave GTC artistic director Kevin Cochran $32,000 in seed money and a management contract calling for 175 performances a year. Cochran said in addition to GTC’s own four productions, other local presenters will stage musicals, children’s theatricals and dance, jazz, folk and comedy shows.

He has not announced a budget for his season but says GTC presentations will be produced under agreements with Actors’ Equity Assn. and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers that call for a number of union professionals to work in each of its shows.

“Dracula” will be adapted and directed by Cochran. “Finger Painting” will be the world premiere of a play that Cochran says he has staged in a workshop.

Subscriptions range from $56 to $80. Single tickets will be $18.50 to $24.50. Performances at the Gem will run Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. Amphitheater performances will run Thursdays to Sundays at 8 p.m.

* The Grove Theater Center is at 12852 Main St., Garden Grove. (714) 636-7213.