FROM MOVIE TO MUSICAL

As a movie enthusiast, Polanski has always adored movies that tried to be very scary and could make the audience laugh at the same time. Their horror movie is not a parody, but a tale that scares in a pleasant way, Polanski professes. That's why he portrayed professor Alronsius as some kind of "Albert Einstein sprinkled with snow". Moreover, contrary to stereotypes, vampires are also troubled just like you or me and there are even jews and homosexuals among them. Childish desire to be afraid without being in real danger and laugh at our own fears as well - this is what the makers wanted to archieve. Polanski attached special importance to the snow, the story had to be set in snowy environment. "Snow, vampire, blood, snow", he said. The choice fell on a castle in the snowy Alps but the snow melted away before the staff could get down to start shooting, so the outdoor filming's location was switched to the Dolomites while the indoor castle scenes were shot in the studio. All the stuntman scenes took place in the snow. About 20 years later Andrew Braunsberg, Polanski's parner and producer in Hollywood for many years, hit upon the idea of adapting the movie to stage as a musical. The criteria was the adaptation as well as the direction of the premiere had to be made by Polanski himself. Based on the movie's visual language, Michael Kunze and Jim Steinman composed great musical scenes, melodies and choirs under the direction of intendant Rudi Klausnitzer. The set was designed by Olivier Award winner William Dudley, the make-up and costume designers were Sue Blane and Peter Greenaway. The actors and actresses were chosen from 600 applicants.