15 thoughts on Untitled Vampire Play

I was lucky enough to see Untitled Vampire Play written by Kevin Douglas and directed by Devon de Mayo at Lookingglass Theatre. Here are some thoughts.

1. Overall, I really enjoyed this production!
2. I was especially impressed with the bat sounds as it really did sound like bats flying through through the theatre in a natural, scattered way
3. Gotta love that it was set in Chicago
4. I got nervous about actors appearing directly behind me during the production when it was announced that actors would move throughout the audience, which did happen, but luckily I noticed without being super startled (that said, I was impressed with how silently the actor had moved)
5. While none of the costuming was elaborate, I did think it was all thoughtful and effective
6. I know it was just a slight of hand thing, but I was genuinely impressed each time a vampire "caught" a crossbow bolt
7. The set, while simple in appearance overall, was well done in terms of utilizing the space and clearly took a lot of planning (see: the two coffins that would raise and lower)
8. I found it interesting that, at the end, we're left to wonder where the characters go next--will they scatter (for most, it seems so)? But even if they do, will the reunite (I think/hope so)?
9. Some aspects of the characters' lives and backstories were left for the audience to interpret or extrapolate from, which I do think worked overall--but in some ways really made me want a sequel and/or prequel
10. I think the actors were all great, but there was one whose performance I didn't connect with as much (however, I should note that this could be because the character is unsure of herself, her wants, her needs, her plans, so it could be that the actress was portraying that really well and thus it was difficult to connect with the character)
11. The marketing did suggest (IMO) a more comedic play, but the comedy that was there was well-paced and was pulled back gradually as the stakes were raised (that said, the marketing could've set up more accurate expectations)
12. I felt that all of the characters felt real (even the vampires) and that they asked (either directly or through their actions) intriguing morality questions as well as what it means to be human (and is that even the most important thing?)
13. Featuring the (relatively) obscure vampire lore that says that vampires have arithmomania has iconic
14. I always hope with vampire media that they'll expand what holy symbols/spaces/objects vampires fear to be more than just crosses/churches/holy water, Untitled Vampire Play didn't do this (I will say though, to be fair, I've only seen this done once that I can recall)
15. In general, seeing this play made me want to pay more attention to what plays are on at Lookingglass Theatre!

(Prompt by me)

Untitled Vampire Play written by Kevin Douglas and directed by Devon de Mayo at Lookingglass Theatre