Cynthia Erivo to Tackle 23 Roles in One-Woman "Dracula" Stage Production

Cynthia Erivo, the multi-talented performer known for her captivating singing, dynamic dancing, and impressive acting range, is set to conquer a new challenge: embodying 23 distinct characters in a stage adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic vampire novel, "Dracula." The announcement of this ambitious project has ignited excitement among theater enthusiasts, particularly Erivo’s dedicated fanbase, with many already contemplating transatlantic travel to witness this "one-woman theatrical extravaganza."

Erivo’s versatility has been consistently showcased throughout her career. She seamlessly transitions between historical figures, shrewd detectives, and chilling murderers, captivating audiences with her nuanced portrayals. Her ability to embody multiple characters within a single narrative has been recently demonstrated in the second season premiere of "Poker Face," where she convincingly played a set of identical quintuplets, each with unique personalities. This feat has further solidified the confidence in her ability to bring the extensive cast of "Dracula" to life with vivid detail.

The upcoming "Wicked" audiobook, featuring Erivo’s narration, provides another avenue for her to showcase her vocal range and character-acting skills. With this project already on the horizon, the announcement of her involvement in "Dracula" further demonstrates the breadth of her talent and her willingness to tackle diverse and challenging roles.

The stage adaptation of "Dracula" is being helmed by Kip Williams, who is adapting Stoker’s iconic novel and will also direct the production. This marks Erivo’s return to the live theater scene after her Tony Award-winning performance in "The Color Purple" nearly a decade ago. Her presence on stage is known to be electrifying, and her portrayal of such a wide array of characters in "Dracula" promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience.

The list of 23 characters that Erivo will embody includes the infamous Count Dracula himself, who survives by consuming the blood of the living. She will also portray Jonathan Harker, a young solicitor who travels to Transylvania to meet his new client; Mina Murray, Harker’s fiancée; Lucy Westenra, Mina’s friend; and Professor Van Helsing, a renowned vampire hunter and expert in occult lore. The diverse cast of characters provides Erivo with ample opportunity to showcase her range and transform herself into a multitude of figures, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations.

Adding another layer to her performance, Erivo will also be able to showcase her powerful vocal talents. While "Dracula" will feature only one musical number, it will undoubtedly highlight Erivo’s impressive vocal capabilities, adding depth and emotion to the production.

The production is being co-produced by Michael Cassel, who is also involved in the upcoming "Wicked: For Good" project. Cassel is already taking into consideration Erivo’s potential need to attend award ceremonies during "Dracula’s" scheduled run in early 2026, from February 4th to May 31st. Cassel has stated that arrangements will be made to accommodate her schedule, allowing her to participate in all aspects of her career.

The decision to cast Erivo in this ambitious one-woman show stems from her proven ability to embody multiple characters with depth and nuance. The production team recognizes her exceptional talent and believes that she is uniquely suited to bring the world of "Dracula" to life on stage.

The production team behind this adaptation of "Dracula" also created and produced "The Picture of Dorian Gray," starring Sarah Snook. In that production, Snook portrayed 26 different characters, earning critical acclaim for her performance. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" enjoyed a successful run in London’s West End before transferring to Broadway. While there is no guarantee that "Dracula" will follow the same trajectory, the success of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" offers a hopeful sign for Erivo’s fans in the United States.

The anticipation surrounding "Dracula" is palpable, and Erivo’s involvement has elevated the project to a must-see event. Her ability to transform herself into diverse characters, coupled with her powerful stage presence and vocal talent, promises to make this production a truly unforgettable theatrical experience. Fans eager to witness Erivo’s performance should consider booking international theater trips to ensure they don’t miss this unique opportunity.

To get a taste of Erivo’s incredible range, viewers can check out her performance in the season two premiere of "Poker Face," now streaming on Peacock. In that episode, she plays a series of quintuplets, each with distinct personalities and quirks. Many viewers have noted the hilariously deadpan DJ Erivo as a standout performance, showcasing her comedic timing and ability to create memorable characters.

The upcoming production of "Dracula" represents a significant milestone in Erivo’s career, solidifying her status as one of the most versatile and talented performers of her generation. Her willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles demonstrates her commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and captivating audiences with her undeniable talent. The world awaits to see what magic she will bring to the stage in this extraordinary one-woman adaptation of "Dracula."