In Bram Stoker’s classic work, tortured character Jonathan Harker is haunted by the sound of wolves howling on his way to Dracula’s residence — an omen of horrors to come.

Theatergoers will also hear howling effects on their way up the steps of the Little Theatre this season, but need not dread being a captive audience.

Directed by Brian DeToma and being performed by The Town Players of Newtown, Dracula is, in short, a delight.

To start, the play’s rendition loosely resembles the plot of Stoker’s novel during its later plot events set in England. The set assembled to represent this is thoughtful and detailed.

The show’s special effects partnered with great lighting design were exciting, impressive, and well-choreographed on its second night of the current production. If Dracula elected to “take his true form as werewolf” as urged by Van Helsing, it is believable that the artists of the Town Players would have made it work.

Those onstage truly brought their characters to life — or to undeath, depending.

Emily Roberson-Dos Santos (Lucy) displays a captivating, impressive emotional range right from her first monologue. She oscillates from a whispery, ill character to one with the strength of a vampire’s powers with ease. One intense scene with Victor Roldan as Jon Harker brings out the best in both actors.

Gus Bottuzzi plays Renfield, a half-vampire character driven to convincing insanity. In an entirely barefoot role, Bottuzzi defines sacrificing for his craft in frequent tumbles to his knees, scampering around onstage, or being dragged off as the work demands.

Thomas Samuels entered with “a heaviness in the room” described in the nightmares of his character’s victim. His portrayal of Dracula convincingly matches in all ways what is anticipated of the beloved character.

Samuels often spoke out directly over the audience with an intense air, as if truly staring through 500 years of experience. This choice partially felt like a recognition of knowledge shared between the folktale monster and the audience from which other characters were excluded at first — to their peril.

A clear alliance immediately formed between Dracula and his fan club, who could not get enough of the count. The effective portrayal seemed to tickle theatergoers, who greeted Samuels with laughter at nearly every entrance, or even in anticipation of his appearance. Like Lucy, all were under Dracula’s spell.

Billy Anderson (The Attendant) was funny and had a relatable quality, sliding well into his role. Roldan, Brian Feinberg (Van Helsing), and Bob Filipowich (Dr Seward) portrayed their characters with strength and thoughtful development throughout the work. Calista Giroux, another strong player, was haunting as The Maid when possessed.

With a great cast and the support of epic effects, The Town Players’ Dracula stakes into the heart of the Halloween season.

This production offers a unique night out and fun way to celebrate the spooky season.

Several more performances are planned before a final show on November 4. Evening curtain is at 8 pm, and matinees begin at 2. For tickets and additional information, visit newtownplayers.org.

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Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.