BEACON THEATER FIELD GUIDE
Dracula Returns: Jonathan Harker’s Descent Staged on Bannerman Island
A clear, practical guide to attending Jim Helsinger’s adaptation of Dracula on Bannerman Island—starring Duane Boutte and directed by Christian Conn—covering the 4.5-hour experience and essential ferry logistics.
Dracula Returns: Jonathan Harker’s Descent Staged on Bannerman Island.
Set against the small, evocative ruin of the Bannerman Residence on Bannerman Island, this adaptation of Jim Helsinger’s Dracula follows Jonathan Harker’s slow realization that he has delivered deeds to a very different kind of master. The production — directed by Christian Conn and starring Duane Boutte in a tour-de-force turn — stages suspense and survival in close quarters, transforming island lawn and masonry into the story’s haunted interior.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Duane Boutte: A Tour‑de‑Force Jonathan Harker
Duane Boutte portrays Jonathan Harker and inhabits nine other characters in a single production, delivering the concentrated, theatrical scare that reviewers have singled out as central to the show’s appeal.
Christian Conn’s Compelling Staging
Directed by Christian Conn — noted for work at Asolo Rep and the Guthrie Theatre — the production shapes Bram Stoker’s material into a compact, suspenseful evening of theatre.
Bannerman Residence: Theatre on an Island
The show is performed in front of the small castle known as the Bannerman Residence on Bannerman Island, using the island’s ruins and shoreline as the production’s immediate stage.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
The evening unfolds as a focused theatrical journey: after ferrying to Bannerman Island you watch Jonathan Harker’s unnerving captivity, his discovery of Count Dracula’s true nature, and the subsequent fight to stop the undead—an intimate, suspense-driven arc staged against the Bannerman Residence that emphasizes tension, discovery, and survival.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and who should take caution.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring comfortable walking shoes suitable for island terrain and boarding a small passenger vessel.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do I meet for the ferry?
Meet at the Beacon Ferry Dock across from The Beacon Metro North Train Station.
How long is the overall experience?
The duration is 4.5 hours.
What should I wear or bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes.
What happens if I arrive late for boarding?
The RV Estuary Steward cannot wait for latecomers; if you miss the boat you forfeit your ticket and cannot get a refund or reschedule.
Are children or dogs permitted?
The performance is not recommended for children under 12. Dogs are not allowed on Bannerman Island except for ADA‑approved service dogs; only Type II and Type III service dogs are permitted and emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals.
Who stars in this production and who directs it?
Duane Boutte stars as Jonathan Harker and portrays other characters in the production; it is directed by Christian Conn.