"The Vampire!" at the Minnesota Centennial Showboat

The haunting thriller comes to life on the moors of Scotland, and spins a story of true love, an imperiled heroine, breath-taking sword-fights and high adventure.

The dynamic directing duo of Peter Moore and Vern Sutton returns to stage this tale and those ever-popular olios – the highly entertaining musical interludes from the days of vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley. This gifted team co-produced the critically acclaimed Showboat hits The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and The Count of Monte Cristo, which played to enthusiastic houses in past summers.

What can audiences expect? "This thriller has spectacle, gods and goddesses, shipwrecks, and Scottish vampires. What more could you want from a night of theatre?" quipped Peter Moore as he pored over the script. "Did I mention our researchers are re-discovering some of the scenic devices originally used in the 19th century to produce howling windstorms, rolling thunder, and ghostly apparitions?" In keeping with 19th century traditions, Showboat audiences are invited to boo and hiss the bad guys and cheer on the heroes.

The Vampire!, with musical olios, will be presented Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with matinees on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2:30 p.m.