Monroe resident stars in new Broadway play

MONROE-Bart Shatto, a veteran actor who has lived in Monroe for 14 years, has the starring role as "Quincy Morris" in the new Broadway musical Dracula. Dracula, a piece based on Bram Stoker's novel, opened on Broadway on Aug. 19 at the Belasco Theater, the second oldest theater on Broadway built in 1907. This show is the only one scheduled to open for the next six months and the talk on the street has suggested it as the most visually beautiful and well put together piece in sometime. The first three weeks of previews have already been sold out and tickets are now difficult to obtain for the first few weeks of its official opening. Dracula is directed by Des McAmuff, a two-time Tony Award winner for Big River and How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying. Outside of his theater expertise, he is also credited director on the film Dangerous Liaisons. The show stars Tom Hewitt as Dracula. Hewitt is widely known for his performance in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Melissa Errico, known for her performances in High Society and Amour. Bart Shatto has enjoyed a 20 year long career in the arts including his role as Val Jean in Les Miserables both on Broadway and on the national tour. Other theater credits include Tony nominted The Civil War and Cats. Shatto also toured with the Trans Siberian Orchestra for two years. TSO garnered gold/platinum-selling albums internationally and ranked on the top 50 touring bands in 2003. He has performed in a slew of theaters during his career including The Alley Theater, Actor's Theater of Louisville, Papermill Playhouse, and Charlotte Rep. He is also featured as vampire hunter Dr. Jacob Sloane in the newly released independent film "Sleepless Nights."