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A childhood memory of seeing it on Broadway


My mom took me to see many a musical and play growing up in NYC. I didn't say "dragged" deliberately, because I frankly don't remember hating any of them. She likely chose to take me to ones I'd like, or I possibly just forgot the bad ones, but I digress...

I remember seeing this production on Broadway with Mr. Langella and enjoying it. IIRC in the second act there was a tense scene where Van Helsing had cornered a cowering Dracula with a crucifix, when all of a sudden the house lights turned on and Mr. Langella calmly stood up, walked to center stage and asked the audience "Is there a doctor in the house?" I wish I could tell you what had transpired, but all I remember is the murmuring of the audience for a few minutes while Mr. Langella remained where he stood and likely directed the doctor(s) to the audience member in distress, made sure the situation was handled, and thanked everyone for their patience. He then just as calmly returned to character, cowering in his corner, the house lights dimmed and the play resumed seamlessly.

Apparently an audience member needing medical attention is not an unheard of occurrence, and that is how the pros do it.

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