Columnist John Katsilometes: A visit to the acting troupe at New City Theatre

Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005 | 8:06 a.m.

A woman in a black spandex vampire costume and dyed-red hair asked me to dance Friday night. I had to whisper to her, "I'm not qualified." It was not the who, but the when -- as the cast of "Dracula's Audition" performed the Halloween staple "Monster Mash" at New City Theatre.

At that moment Marilyn Weinmann , in character as Ma Drac (Dracula's mother), descended from the stage and gripped my hand. No thanks -- not unless your name is Gwen Stefani am I leaving my seat to dance onstage in front of 100 strangers (including a few bubbly members of the Red Hat Club).

"Dracula's Audition" is the latest production by New City, which stages its shows at 2900 E. Patrick Lane (call 795-0487 or go to www.newcitytheatre.com). The performance has been extended to Friday night (seating is at 7:30, show at 8 p.m.) for this goofy musical production starring hard-working local talent.

Not being a theater critic (at least professionally), I can say that my review of Friday's show is that I feel it is important to support community theater. In this case the trip was made worthwhile by the performances of Dominic Carter , an accomplished skateboard competitor with limited acting experience who executed a full backflip; and Steve Jaeger , who played a geek in ill-fitting clothes and who led the crowd in the show-capper.

Admission is free. If you adjust your Expectations Meter, you'll have some fun.

NoteMart

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