Meet Janelle Villas

anelle Villas is a Chicago actress starring in The Hypocrites' play, DRACULA, on the Mercury stage. Adapted and directed by Sean Graney, this modern take on the classic tale of DRACULA weaves an engaging story of passion, yearning, cruelty, and sacrifice. Sexy, funny and scary, The Hypocrites' DRACULA will keep you on the edge of your seat. Running October 5 - November 7, 2017, tickets are available here.

What's your story?
I grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois. I'm the daughter of Filipino immigrants. I started singing when I was tiny, I started dancing when I was a little bigger, I started acting as a pubescent, and I started improvising/comedy-ing like yesterday. I love to make art and tell stories so that's what I do. 

What's the story of your character?
Lucy Westenra is, first and foremost, herself. She is Mina's best friend and soul sister. She falls victim to Dracula and becomes a vampire - a badass one. Lucy has nightmares and disturbing thoughts that foreshadow her fate. This makes her, and everyone around her question her sanity. She also has two lovers in the play, but still identifies as a single, free woman. She must fight against the social stigma of her promiscuity and tiptoe around her men's fragile masculinity. Also, she gets attacked and bit by a vampire. Ouch. 

How does your character
I don't want to spoil too much, or, I want the shock value to remain authentic. So I'll say just this: Lucy does not allow herself to be reduced to "ladylike" expectations. She stands her ground as an independent, liberated lady with a heart of gold. She inspires the same sentiment in Mina as a result.

Any other comments?
It is our every intention to scare you. Be afraid. Be very afraid. Then conquer your fears! Like the patriarchy, for example. Or white supremacy. Or the loss of your rights as a woman, an immigrant, or member of the LGBTQ+ community. Or like, spiders. You get it. We must remain fearless in the wake of a horror stricken world.