The Blood Countess Reviews

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Despite some exposition longueurs here and there as the various political machinations are explained, Dalberg’s play and Brandon’s staging raise intriguing questions about how myths like that of Báthory come into being. Jones-Macknin holds her own while being in almost every scene. Libby Beyreis’s violence design skillfully suggests more horror than it shows. (Despite the multiple warnings in the program and lobby, there really isn’t as much bloodshed as you might expect, and Laura J. Wiley’s lighting design and L.J. Luthringer’s sound design do most of the work at creating the suitably clammy atmosphere.) Among the supporting cast, Raúl Alonso as the countess’s mute servant, János Újváry, is particularly compelling."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Political intrigue, torture, questionable morality, greed and treachery. Seriously, what more could you possibly want from your evening news or from your beloved local theater company? Michael Dalberg’s The Blood Countess, presented by the Idle Muse Theatre Company under the direction of Tristan Brandon will ask you to decide whether this is a feminist, medieval thriller reclaiming the reputation of a wealthy and powerful woman. Or is it a story of a deranged, savage killer tormenting and torturing 650 girls and young women for nothing more than pleasure? You are on your own. Dalberg won’t tell you. And, fair warning: this will be an exercise on how your pre-conceived notions and values will support – or not – the morbid spectacle you will see unfold."

Buzz Center Stage - Recommended

"...It is in this mystery that Playwright Michael Dalberg found his play, and from there, a story of blood, murder, and even a little magic thrown into the mix. Out of a desire to stay alive until her son can come home, Bathory begins to drink the blood of her staff. If they never leave the castle, how is anyone to know? With immortal beauty and youth, she can keep everything afloat until the Count returns. However, not everyone is willing to allow a woman to maintain her power - particularly with all the rumors regarding how she is managing to do so. The question is, can she manage to keep up the facade until she is reunited with her son? More than that, will she manage not to lose herself in the process?"

The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended

"...In the 1600s, Hungary was in a decade long war with the Ottoman Empire. The Turks occupied a large segment of the country. As other nobility unite in defense of the country, Erzsebet Bathory manipulates, coerces and begs her son to remain home to protect the castle. After listening to the village gossip about his mom, Pal allows himself to be recruited by one of Erzsebet’s political enemies. He leaves her alone to fend off the Turks, the servants and her own ghosts. She’s about to bleed the country dry to preserve her lands and her youth."

NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Overall, while "The Blood Countess" has many strengths, the play doesn't quite work as drama. Despite the warnings in the program that the audience might get splattered with stage blood, there was too little blood, and too much politics. A more streamlined and clearer script would serve its subject better."