Off Broadway Theatre's current show at Draper Historic Theatre is about a boy wizard who bands together with his friends to thwart a bloodthirsty, bald villain in a black cloak. This is not the story of Harry Potter and Voldemort, however, but the comic parody, "Dracula vs. Henry Botter."

Chase Arnold, who plays Henry's nemesis, Snake-O Mouthoff, described the show. "It's as if someone who loved Harry Potter wanted to make it into a comedy show,” he said. “There's lots of jokes. You're going to laugh a lot!"

The basic plot is that Count Dracula has joined the faculty of Dogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry while searching for the Vampire Stone that can make him immune to the effects of garlic and holy water. When students start turning up drained of blood, Henry Botter and his friends from the House of Gryffinmerv must save their school. At the same time, Mouthoff and fellow members of the House of Smithereens take Dracula’s side. 

Off Broadway Theatre last staged "Dracula vs. Henry Botter" in 2021, but this production has some updated elements. Director Eric Jensen explained, “We’ve added a few new characters like Bad Eye Booty.” The House of Smithereens also has a few new members.  

Most significantly, they added a children's chorus to accommodate all of the many young actors who auditioned for the show. "The Dogwarts Choir will sing about what happened and what is going on between scenes," Jensen said.

Actor William Hunt said, "I think it's really neat having the kids do the music during the scene changes. It allows more people in the community to participate."

Hunt, who has taken on the role of Headmaster Bumblebore, said he is working on growing out his beard for the part. He explained that this is his third time playing the bumbling, oblivious headmaster. "Every year there are some changes to the show," he said. "They include more topical humor."

As always in Off Broadway Theatre productions, the actors are encouraged to improvise new jokes and comic bits. For Rue Cook, who plays Ne’er Good, learning how to do improv comedy has been an adventure. “It’s very exciting,” she said. Cook explained that doing improv has helped her in everyday life. “It helps with conversation and figuring out what to do in a situation,” she said.

Most of all, she is enjoying her fellow cast members. “It’s such a community, it feels like everyone is a family. Everyone is so passionate about what they’re doing,” Cook said. 

Abby Borsos, who plays the kooky Loonie, expressed similar feelings. “I love the people here. I really love acting with them. They aren’t biased and everyone is accepted. I really like that,” she said.

The actors all spoke of how much they are enjoying being in the show, not only because of the camaraderie and friendships they have made but because they find it genuinely funny. Some of them saw prior productions of  “Dracula vs. Henry Botter” and liked it so much they were inspired to audition.

“I love this show! I saw it three years ago,” Emily Mouritsen said. Mouritsen plays Professor McGonadull, the object of Dracula’s affection. “I feel like, out of all the OBT shows, the Dracula shows—and especially this one—you end up laughing so much. A ticket doesn’t cost much and you’re supporting the community,” she said. 

“This is a funny and good show,” Cook said. “There’s a variety of humor. Anyone of any age can get a laugh out of it.” 

Off Broadway Theatre presents “Dracula vs. Henry Botter” at Draper Historic Theatre on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 through 26. Draper Historic Theatre is located at 12366 S. 900 East. For tickets visit theobt.org. λ