Dracula at St. Paul’s

On Friday October 30 the sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Church, Perth is transformed into a 1930s cinema for a special screening of the horror masterpiece Dracula. Originally directed by Tod Browning, this iconic 1931 film is brought to life with live, onstage musical accompaniment: a chamber ensemble, under the direction of composer Mark Bailey, performing a compelling new score written specifically for the film. Dracula is a follow-up to Mark’s Frankenstein score, performed at St. Paul’s in February.

Mark Bailey is a Perth-based composer, arranger and trumpet player whose lifelong passion for cinematic storytelling shapes the music of this performance. A resident of Perth since 2008, Mark has become a fixture in the local arts scene, contributing his talents to numerous regional music and theatre productions. Before settling in the area he served with the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces in Ottawa, as both a trumpet player and an arranger. Creating the musical landscape for Dracula — a task that naturally invited late-night inspiration — offered an irresistible opportunity to blend his classical arranging background with his deep love for dramatic, atmospheric storytelling.

Filling out the chamber ensemble are Geoff Johnson and Brad Mills (keyboards), Terry Kirkpatrick (percussion), Lynn Morrison (flute/piccolo), Cynthia Yuschyshyn (euphonium) and Tony Stuart (clarinet/soprano sax), with Hugh McMillan on sound and lighting.

The sanctuary of St. Paul’s benefits from great natural acoustics, wrap-around seating on two levels allowing for good audience sightlines, and high-quality sound and lighting to enhance the performance.

Tickets are $25 here, or cash at the door. Come as you are, or celebrate Halloween and wear your costume — if you dare!