BROOKFIELD — Brookfield Theatre for the Arts stuns with its gripping and darkly humorous production of Dracula: a feminist revenge fantasy, really, running through October 10.

This show, by Kate Hamill, is loosely based on the novel of the same name by Bram Stoker. Hamill's take on the classic horror story explores the nature of predators and reinvents the story as a smart, disquieting, darkly comic drama. The playwright's signature style and postmodern wit upend this familiar tale of Victorian vampires, driving a stake through the heart of toxic masculinity.

Renfield (played by Emma Duffy) and Dr Van Helsing (CJ Palumbo) are notably women in this show, compared to the original novel, where they are men. The gender swaps tie into the themes of the show, however, and make both characters engaging in a unique way.

The grim atmosphere of Dracula comes to life on the Brookfield Theatre stage, with great attention given to the set design and the costuming.

At center stage atop the cobblestone-patterned stage floor is a tall, black-barred gate along with a towering scaffolding structure off stage left. The cast is constantly interacting with these set pieces and the depth of the stage, whether it is Renfield giddily dangling her arms between the bars of the scaffolding or Count Dracula (Joseph Roman) ominously lurking at the back of the stage behind the gate.

The set evokes the story's Victorian aesthetic, but it is also on display thanks to the show's lovely costuming, from the laced white blouse worn by Mina Harker (Izzy Porter) to the black, paisley-patterned vest of Dr George Seward (Mason Andrew).

Special nod to the outfit of Dr Van Helsing, which consists of a rad cowboy hat, black underclothes, and a red vest with long strips of cloth dangling from the back and sides. She also has a belt with slits perfect for storing wooden stakes. Not only does the outfit look cool, but it makes Van Helsing stand out from most of the other characters.

Nevertheless, it is the cast's performances that elevate the material and make each scene more gripping than its predecessor. Porter as Mina is the driving force for much of the show. She perfectly embodies Mina's kind and intelligent demeanor, while balancing the internal rage she so often keeps bottled up inside. It makes it all the more rewarding to see Mina break away from her shy, reticent tendencies and fervently stand up for herself and others.

Roman is incredibly strong as Dracula. He only gets so much time center stage, but when he does, he is as calm and confident as he is cruel and vindictive. While Dracula gets several funny moments throughout the show, it is how easily Roman shifts between those emotions that makes him feel like a true force of evil, particularly when he lashes out at Van Helsing toward the end of the show. He also gets cool moments offstage, for when Dracula possesses another character, the lights will turn red and the possessed actor will mouth his words.

Duffy is phenomenal as Renfield. She has several long, winding monologues and they are so entertaining to listen to because of how fervently she delivers them. Duffy's Renfield is also entertaining to watch, whether they're racing up the scaffolding, pushing their head between the bars of her cell, or in the dramatic expressions she makes as she speaks. This playfulness, combined with her frantic pleas to Dracula and genuine confusion to Mina, makes Renfield's final scene heartbreaking.

Palumbo is a total highlight as Van Helsing, perfectly capturing the no-nonsense vampire hunter whose stoic, snarky attitude belies a kind, compassionate heart. She has an intensity about her, from the way she carries herself to the sharp way she delivers some lines, which makes her very entertaining to watch. However, it is when Palumbo showcases Van Helsing's vulnerability, whether through her voice breaking or her subtle, gentle expression changes, that her character fully shines.

There is only so much space in one review, but it must be noted every single cast member does a fantastic job. Larry Weatherspoon does a marvelous job as Jonathan Harker. Mina's husband and typically a kind, humble, and by-the-books gentleman, Harker's hysteria and confusion after he gets bit by Dracula are perfectly captured by Weatherspoon.

This dichotomy is also on display with Megan Gorman as Lucy Westenra. She is bright and charming while on stage, with several funny moments to boot (her "Be nice to me, I'm sick" stands out). The shift in her demeanor after her encounter with Dracula is equal parts haunting and gripping to watch. Shout-out to Gorman and Weatherspoon for screaming like the rent was due in their given scenes.

Also charming is Andrew as Dr George Seward, a character who starts the show as likable as he is condescending. Andrew balances that put-together, know-it-all disposition of Seward with the character's growing drive to be better and actually work together with the women in his life.

Rounding out the cast is Tarah Vega as Drusilla/Merchant/Miller and Melanie Fay as Marilla/Maid. Vega and Fay get the most spotlight as Drusilla and Marilla respectively, and the audience can tell just how much fun the pair have playing these wild, monstrous vampires. They also delight as the other characters they get to play, such Fay's Maid, who truly does not get paid enough to put up with the characters’ shenanigans.

With Halloween right around the corner, there is no better way for people to celebrate the season than to see Brookfield Theatre's production of Dracula, a testament to the sheer amount of talent in community theater.

Performances continue through October 10, on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 students and seniors. Visit brookfieldtheatre.org for reservations and additional information.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.