SEASON 18 | October 2005

review

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Vampyress
A New Opera based on the true story of Erzsebet Bathori, the Bloody Countess of Hungary
Presented by the VORTEX Repertory Company

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Winner of three B. Iden Payne Awards: Outstanding Lead Actress in Music Theater: Melissa Vogt; Outstanding Original Score: Chad Salvata; Outstanding Featured Actress in Music Theater: Betsy McCann

Nominated for 3 Austin Critics’ Table 2005 Award: Best Actress, Musical: Melissa Vogt; Best Scenic Design: Ann Marie Gordon; Best Lighting Design: Jason Amato

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VORTEX Repertory Company proudly presents the world premiere of Vampyress, a new opera by local award-winning composer, Chad Salvata. Based on the true story of The Bloody Countess, Erzsebet Bathori, this tale of horror, murder, and magic is directed by Bonnie Cullum, VORTEX Producing Artistic Director.

Born in 16th-century Hungary, this Bloody Countess, Bathori, murdered hundreds of young women and bathed in their blood in order to sustain her youth and beauty. This historical figure has been both vilified and honored over the centuries. Salvata's embellishment of her notorious downfall produces a powerful and mysterious work of storytelling.

Full female nudity, violence, blood, and adult themes. Recommended for mature audiences.

The dynamic power of VORTEX's past productions of Salvata's work have won numerous B. Iden Payne and Austin Critics' Table Awards, notably Elytra, Triskelion, Panoptikon, and The Black Blood. In 2004, Salvata received the Austin Critics' Table Award for Outstanding Original Score for his musical review, Pythia Dust. Now, after three years in the making, comes a new look, a new sound.

Vampyress Features:
Melissa Vogt as ERZEBET BARTHORI, Betsy McCann, Sarah Collins, Evelyn LaLonde, Lucy Jennings, ileana herrin, and Andrea Dennison.

Directed by Bonnie Cullum and Chad Salvata; Vocal arrangements by Jo Beth; Henderson and Chad Salvata; Music & Libretto by Chad Salvata; Publicity Photo by Kenneth B. Gall Scenery Design by Ann Marie Gordon; Lighting Design by Jason Amato; Costume Design by Blair Hurry; Sound Engineer Roy Taylor