By Alice T. Carter

Published: Monday, October 26, 2009

The University of Pittsburgh Repertory Theatre production of "Count Dracula" raises more giggles than goosebumps.

That's deliberate.

Ted Tiller's script and W. Stephen Coleman's direction emphasizes the humor in this silly, spoofy version of Bram Stoker's tale of the famous vampire and his victims.

Actors' performances are uneven. But Sam Turich as Count Dracula and Elena Alexandratos as Helga Von Helsing play their roles with the proper absolute-but-overwrought conviction that grounds the story in reality while recognizing its comedic potential.

The most impressive aspects of the show are scenic designer Julie Allardice-Ray's elaborate and impressive Gothic set, Don Mangione's costumes, Annmarie Duggan's lighting designs and some of the special effects created by Thomas (Toby) Horn.

"Count Dracula" continues through Sunday in the Charity Randall Theatre of the Stephen Foster Memorial, Oakland. Performances: 8 p.m. today through Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $16 and $22; $16 and $19 for senior citizens; $12 for students. Details: 412-624-7529 or www.play.pitt.edu.

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