Studio Tenn brings the Count to Turner Theater
Join if you dare as Studio Tenn opens their 2025-2026 season with the theatrical sensation, “Dracula.” The spine-chilling production opens just in time for spooky season, with performances running from October 9th through October 26th at Turner Theater, inside The Factory at Franklin.
Based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel, this gripping stage adaptation tells the story of Count Dracula’s arrival in England, and the trail of terror he leaves in his wake. When it is discovered a vampire is in their midst, the line between desire and danger blurs as Dracula uses his dark charm to transfix and ensnare his victims. This eerie adaptation is an action-packed, blood-soaked classic tale of horror.
“We can’t wait to introduce audiences to this captivating and haunted retelling, brought to life by a cast full of Tennessee talent,” said Patrick Cassidy, Studio Tenn’s Artistic Director. “Studio Tenn takes pride in finding the best actors for every show and character no matter who they are or where they’re from. But it becomes extra special when all the actors have strong ties to middle Tennessee.”
Portraying the show’s lead is Franklin native Jay Sullivan as Count Dracula. While this is Sullivan’s debut at Studio Tenn, his career has seen multiple world premieres and Tony Award winning Broadway productions. Both Morgan-Ellene Davis and Savannah Stein are set to return for their second Halloween frights with Studio Tenn. Davis previously graced the stage as Elizabeth in “Frankenstein” while Stein entranced audiences at Turner Theater last season as Audrey in the bloodthirsty musical “Little Shop of Horrors.” Rounding out the talented cast is Tennessee native and Lipscomb University graduate, Jonah M. Jackson. He was seen on the Turner Theater stage last season in “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Crimes of the Heart.”
Studio Tenn is putting in the work on and off stage to deliver a terrifyingly spectacular performance, starting with the legendary teeth. Scratch the plastic fangs we all remember from childhood—the blood-sucking cast members were given the opportunity for custom fittings with an area dentist for realistic vampire fangs. Studio Tenn continues to raise the bar of professional theatre in middle Tennessee with the help of skilled artisans, theatre lovers and supporters of local art.
This production is recommended for ages fifteen and up. Tickets start as low as $55 and are available at studiotenn.org, the Turner Theater box office in The Factory or by calling 615.541.8200. Discounted tickets are available for active military, veterans, students and educators who present their respective IDs at the Studio Tenn box office.
Studio Tenn’s sixteenth season is anchored by good and evil. It starts in darkness with one of the most evil characters, the King of Vampires in “Dracula,” and ends with the complete antithesis, Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Other shows coming to Turner Theater this season are the holiday classic “White Christmas,” Broadway thriller “Deathtrap,” and high-flying comedy “Boeing Boeing.” The complete contradiction of stories and characters blend together to make the perfect season for audiences to enjoy.
