Stage Fright Series

"People need monsters. They need to believe that there are limits to humanity and lines that cannot be crossed."   Dr. John Seward, once a resolute guardian against the horrors of the night, has retreated into isolation, haunted by the devastating loss of his beloved and his closest friends to the sinister Count Dracula. As he grapples with his grief and guilt, a lifeline is thrown his way—an enigmatic letter from Irish author Bram Stoker, eager to immortalize Seward's harrowing tale.   But before Seward can face his past, a chilling new terror descends. A string of grisly murders echoes the very nightmare he thought vanquished. Forced back into the fray, the doctor must confront both tangible evils and the phantoms of his tortured mind.   In this gripping adaptation, award-winning playwright Joseph Zettelmaier weaves a tale of suspense, inner darkness, and relentless pursuit of truth. As Seward navigates a world where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur, he must rediscover the strength to stand against the creeping shadows—both within and without.   Will Dr. Seward uncover the sinister force behind the new wave of deaths, or will he succumb to the demons that have haunted him since that fateful encounter with Dracula?   The answers lie within the blood-soaked pages of Dr. Seward's Dracula.   "Zettelmaier's perspective on Dracula involves guilt and a quest for redemption." - Chicago Tribune   "A gothic-style, psychological thriller." - The Daily Herald   "This is one of those rare thrillers that lives up to its promise, grabbing our attention in its first moments and not letting go until the heart-stopping ending." - Chicago Reader   "A creepy, clever prequel to Bram Stokers' vampire legend." - The Ann Arbor News

A Gothic drama set in the eerie twilight of 18th century France, where terror roams the wilds and a sinister legend springs to life.   For three years, the fearsome Beast of Gévaudan has prowled the dense forests, leaving a trail of over a hundred victims in its wake. The terrorized populace was gripped by fear until one man, an outcast forester, emerged from the shadows claiming victory over a monstrous, wolf-like creature. When he presents a hideous, wolf-like corpse to King Louis, the kingdom rejoices, believing the nightmare to be over.   But the forester's tale is shrouded in secrets. Amidst the whispers of the woods, he never speaks of the enigmatic woods-witch who crossed his path, nor her dark, otherworldly influence on his hunt. As the chilling truth unfurls, The Man-Beast delves into a Gothic drama where the lines between man and monster blur, and the sinister legacy of the Beast is revealed.   Prepare to be captivated by Joseph Zettelmaier's spine-tingling play, where myth and reality entwine in a gripping tale of horror, mystery, and the supernatural. Will the forester's courage be enough to face the true nature of the Beast, or will the lurking shadows of the forest claim yet another soul? "The most emotionally interiorized of Zettelmaier's horror tales. Few demons are more horrifying than the memories, fears and resentments we host inside our heads." - Chicago Tribune   "A battle of wit and affection and intimidation.You know this match must finish. And you know there can only be one winner. But the duel itself is so mesmerizing, you never want it to end." - Cincinnati Enquirer "Zettelmaier creates tantalizing stories." - Chicago Sun-Times

"At once eerie and clever."—Chicago Reader Step into the mysterious world of Joseph Zettelmaier's latest masterpiece, The Jigsaw Bride. Renowned for his chilling tales such as The Gravedigger and Dr. Seward's Dracula, Zettelmaier now invites you to a hauntingly beautiful gothic retelling of a classic horror story.   A century after the demise of Victor Frankenstein, the brilliant scientist Maria von Moos embarks on a perilous journey deep into the Geneva woods to unearth the secrets of a madman. In the shadow of a ruined castle, she stumbles upon a mesmerizing discovery — Justine, a woman frozen in time. Determined to unlock the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic stranger, Maria brings Justine into her home, setting the stage for a captivating odyssey of science and hope.   As Justine unravels the shrouds of her past, Maria envisions a future brighter and more extraordinary than she could have ever imagined. Yet, their aspirations face daunting challenges as harsh realities and betrayals loom on the horizon. The ominous arrival of Vystario's Menagerie of the Macabre in town threatens to unravel all they hold dear.   The Jigsaw Bride weaves a spellbinding narrative that explores the intersection of science, mystery, and the human spirit. Join us for a theatrical experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat, as Zettelmaier crafts a tale of suspense and intrigue that transcends time and genre. Don't miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness and discovery.   "(A) dramatic, compelling tale Dealing with moral dilemmas, philosophical debates over science and nature, betrayals, and treachery."—Chicago Splash Magazine