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Utter madness takes over the Orcas Center once again, as Deborah Sparks’ cabaret of irreverent escapades through space returns. An island cast will storm the stage with robust renditions of popular songs and exuberant dance routines.

Conceived and directed by Theatre Productions Director Sparks, “Enchanted Forest: The Transylvania Express’O” is a short but wild musical adventure into nonsense for those interested in something “a little different.” It is performed on the OffCenter stage.

“It doesn’t make sense on a linear level, but you’re sure to be entertained,” said Grace McCune, who is reprising her role as the perpetually flirtatious Carmen. “It’s like living inside the imagination of Deborah Sparks. It’s an opportunity for the cast to ‘get in tune with their inner freak.'”

The show will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for two weeks from January 21 through 30, at 7:30 p.m. There is limited seating; only enough space for 50 attendees for each performance. Be ye warned that at times during the show there are some close encounters between the performers and audience members.

Purchasing tickets early is recommended. You can purchase tickets either by going to www.orcascenter.org, calling the box office at Orcas Center, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 376-2281 ext. 1, or visiting the box office. Tickets are on sale now and are $17 for adults, $13 for students, $2 off for members.

The room is transformed into an intimate club–like setting for the show – but in a dungeon. Cocktail tables and theatre seating are both being offered, and audience members can purchase wine. Imbibing is permitted during the performances.

“The show brings together some of the most talented performers on the island and highlights their gifts,” said actress Cali Bagby. “It also shows the brilliant mind of Deborah Sparks, who will shock, amaze and thrill the audience.”

Bagby played the villain, Durga Durga, in 2014’s Enchanted Forest production. This year she will be performing as Igor.

For attendees who have not previously seen an Enchanted Forest show, the audience will be introduced to an ensemble of characters who have been space traveling together for the last four years, in addition to some travelers they picked up on another planet (as witnessed during prior performances).

Newcomer Katie Wlaysewski is playing Vamporra in this year’s show. This is only her second time acting in a play. She was personally asked by Sparks to be a part of the show following her first major performance in last year’s main stage show “Across the Universe.” Wlaysewski says she is excited to “get on the ride and see where it goes.” She is joining the cast with an open mind and the expectation of “expecting not to know what to expect.”

The adventurers’ story continues when their rocket ship lands in a dungeon in a Transylvanian castle, where Carmen and the always naive Dr. Livingston, set out to make merry in their new environment. But there’s a twist, which turns some of the travelers on their heels.

“The best thing about the show is that it is so unique you will find nothing like it anywhere,” said Bagby.

Cast

Carmen – Grace McCune

Dr. Livingston/Draculust – Jake Perrine

Keith Richard’s brother, Igor – Cali Bagby

Dok Tor-Von Frankelschtien – Jim Shaffer-Bauck

Vampira – Khadoma Colomby

The Model (who came along for the ride) – Stormy Hildreth

Master Rentfree – Kellen Comrie

The Monster – Kelly Toombs

Vamporra (Vampira’s sister, sort of) – Katie Wlaysewski

Vulga the mute maid – Linda Slone

Vega (Vulga’s sister, sort of) – Donna Laslo

Rudolph Van Helslinginjin – Robert Hall

Herman Von Menderchuck – Matthew Laslo

Morticia and the Dracs (kids) – Lanni, Diego, Remy Lago

The Bridettes – Colleen Armstrong, Katie Wlaysewski, RuthAnne Comrie, Amanda Sparks

The Vampiros – Charles Dalton, Jim Schaffer-Bauck, Kellen Comrie, Ed Lago

The guy in the wedding scene/House manager – Ray Doss

Dracula’s bad boy cousin, Draculoh – Kevin Dickey

Creative Team:

Set Design & Construction – Chris Brems

Lighting design – Deborah Sparks

Sound design – Jake Perrine

Singing Coach – Grace McCune

Pianist on recordings – Ron Myers

Choreography by Anthony Manuel and Tiffany Loney

Costumes & Wigs by Dean Carey, Deborah Sparks, Keri Lago and Deborah Scharaga

Crew:

Sound – Kevin Dickey (Jeff Horton is backup)

Lighting Operator – Keith Light

Props – Diane Skaar

Stage Manager – Regina Zwilling

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