Frosty, dry leaves rattle like bones -- perfect weather for "Dracula" now playing at Illinois State University. Forget the tuxedo-wearing Dracula you know, Stephen Dietz' 1996 stage version of Bram Stoker's novel is more complex and less campy. | ISU brings the vampire back to life with 'Dracula'

Director Christopher Marino guides the on-message production staff. The set, designed by Sarah Colburn, has a misty, subterranean feel that manages to seamlessly transition between London bedroom, Transylvanian castle, insane asylum, a couple of tombs and more.

Occasionally both the bed and the floor seem to turn to liquid as the Vixens (undead, bloodthirsty vampire women in white tulle) slither in and out. Magic tricks fold in seamlessly.

Ryan Finley's lighting is effective as are the intelligent, steam-punk (think futuristic but set in Victorian time) costume designs of Sarah Putnam. Sound designer Drew Schmidt weaves together an auditory tour-de-force, from a mournful cello to Dracula's hungry breath to a stunning moment when the audience hears every door in the castle slam shut.

The story is told through journals, recollections and flashbacks, often overlapping and as blurry as the fog around the castle.

In brief, two friends, Mina (Kristen King) and Lucy (Megan Miller) are being seduced and sucked dry by Dracula while the Victorian men folk Van Helsing (Stephen Gawrit), Harker (Justin O. Stewart) and Seward (Mike Tepeli) muddle about. Insane asylum resident Renfield (Dave Gonzales), caged but agile, helps narrate when not munching on rodents.

King and Miller not only act well but also move gorgeously, as they devolve from Victorian innocents to seduced victims. The trio of men plods at maddening committee pace to finally drive that stake. Unfortunately, their diction is sometimes as muddled as their thinking.

Kurysz, as Dracula, puts in an electrifying performance. He's at once otherworldly, alpha-male, needy, powerful, sexy, repulsive and riveting. And if that sounds strange, imagine his opening costume - Mikado-meets-Edward Scissorhands, with a tablespoon of Voldemort and a pinch of Goth. Part of the reason it works so well is because Kurysz both buys and sells it.

There's enough stage blood to give pause to the truly faint-hearted and young children, but overall this is a visual treat and a great Halloween weekend outing.

And don't worry about the lack of bats - the ladies in the fluffy dresses are way scarier.

Want to go?

Venue: Illinois State University Center for the Performing Arts Theatre

Times and dates: 7:30 p.m. tonight through Saturday

Cost: $10 to $15

Running time: 2 hr. 25 min., including 15-min. intermission