'The Vampyre' brings fresh goosebumps with a classic spooky story at Albany Civic Theater

The charming and ruthless Lord Ruthven, played by Rylan Woodrow, insinuates himself into the life and home of weak-willed Aubrey (Kevin Christianson); dazzled by Ruthven's worldliness and urbanity, the young man invited him into his aunt's home. Thus begins a chilling story of seduction and blood-lust from which no one - especially not the three pretty young women of the house - is safe.

The story "The Vampyre" has some interesting history behind it. In the summer of 1816, a group of friends were traveling together through Switzerland on their way to Italy, when thunderstorms kept them from going farther.

They ended up staying in the Villa Diodati on Lake Geneva for a few days while the storm passed. To keep themselves busy, they came up with a game where each would tell a ghost story to entertain and terrify the others.

Two of those friends were Mary Shelley who wrote the short story "Frankenstein" that night and John Polidori who wrote "The Vampyre" that night as well, according to director Russ Roberts.

"John Polidori was the first writer to make the vampire into an aristocrat," Roberts said. "Before that they were monsters and ghouls."

Roberts also added it was widely thought that when Bram Stoker wrote "Dracula," he had a copy of the "The Vampyre" sitting next to him.

Since then, Tim Kelley has turned the story into a play, and Russ Roberts believed it would be a great piece for this Halloween season.

"This is a perennial favorite," Roberts said. "People enjoy vampire movies right now, so I figured this would draw people in. It is one of the forgotten stories of the horror genre."

Russ Roberts, a first-time director, said that the play got off to a rocky start. He had trouble filling parts, and once they were all filled, some cast members had to drop out. Once everything was filled and settled, the rehearsals started going a lot smoother.

"Everybody is wonderful," Roberts said. "I am very proud of all of them."

Roberts believes they are ready to perform now. Rehearsals have gone well.

"All I need now is an audience," he said.

Rylan Woodrow, playing the part of Lord Ruthven, adds to the horrifying experience.

Woodrow played Dracula in the 2007 performance at Corvallis Community Theater. He plays an amazing Lord Ruthven in this performance and makes the part come alive.

Though all the performers are great for their roles, Ruthven is definitely the star of the show. His eerie way of showing up adds to the atmosphere of the horror.

Because of the violence involved, this show is not for a younger audience. It is more suitable for teenagers and adults.

Their first performance is Friday.

CHECK IT OUT

WHAT: "The Vampyre"

WHERE: Albany Civic Theater, 111 First Ave. S.W.

WHEN: Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25, 30 and 31 and Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.; and Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m.

COST: $11 for adults, $8 for youth under 18 and seniors over 60.

INFORMATION: 928-4603 or www.albanycivic.org.