We sat down for an exclusive interview with Lorna Want who plays Mina in Dracapella – a comedy retelling of Dracula featuring a capella renditions of popular rock hits, with a stellar cast including Ako Mitchell, Keala Settle, Stephen Ashfield, Lorna Want and world champion beatboxer Alex Hackett, aka ABH.
This show runs from 3rd December to 17th January at Park Theatre – Tickets here.
You’re playing Mina in Dracapella, a comic, acappella take on Dracula. What drew you to this project, and how does this version of Dracula differ from the story audiences might expect?
Well I think the title of the piece is what intrigued me to begin with! Dracula and a capella just seemed like something I had to be a part of! I knew Dan Patterson, and how brilliant his writing is, and I’ve always wanted to work at Park Theatre and with Jez Bond, so I feel like everything came together on this one and I’m so pleased to be a part of the show. I’ve had a career break to raise my family, and this feels like the perfect way to come back to the stage.
I think it’s safe to say this version is very different from the original novel! Whilst keeping the main premise of the story, it’s ridiculously silly and of course the addition of a capella music takes it to a whole new level
The show blends musical comedy, parody, and acappella performance. As someone known for traditional musical theatre, what was it like stepping into a production where every sound comes from the human voice?
I am absolutely loving the challenge of the acapella! This is such an ensemble piece, and we all have to listen so intently to one another for this to be able to work. Alex our beatboxer is unbelievably talented, and some of the sounds he’s able to create are just other- worldly to be honest!
I can follow sheet music, but not read or sight sing from the page, so I’m loving watching everyone learn this music so quickly and brilliantly, and trying to master my sight reading as I go!
Mina is often portrayed as the moral centre of the Dracula story. How have you approached her character within this farcical, musical retelling. Does she retain that core, or has she taken on a new comic life?
I think Mina has definitely taken on a new comic life, as have all the characters. I guess she still has that central core to the story, in leading the fight to take down Dracula, but she’s a bit more gutsy for sure!
You’re sharing the stage with an incredible ensemble. How has the rehearsal process been, balancing comedic timing with complex vocal arrangements?
Rehearsals have been great fun so far! I love watching people, especially in how they deliver comedy. It’s such a balance between not playing for the laughs, and playing the truth, because the truth of the line is what’s funny! And everyone is just insanely brilliant, so it’s a pleasure to be in the space with them. The music is a big challenge, but it’s sounding wonderful and I can’t wait for us to share that with an audience
You’ve played iconic roles in shows like Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Evita.How does Dracapella challenge you differently as a performer?
I guess similarly to the previous questions, this challenges me in a very different way, as I’m using skill sets that probably aren’t often used in conventional musical theatre. My first taste of comedy was in “Beautiful” playing Cynthia, and I loved that challenge, as previously I had always been cast as the ingenue… So to now play the “ingenue” who has comedy lines too, is a brilliant mix.
Park Theatre is known for its inventive, intimate productions. What do you think audiences will take away from Dracapella this festive season?
Well I hope the audiences laugh when they come!! And I think we all need comedy in our lives right now!
I think the audience will enjoy hearing these acapella anthems, up close in an intimate space! Very exposing for us as performers, but what a thrill to see that live!