!["Dracula: A Rock Ballet" runs at Madison's Overture Center for the Arts from March 8 to March 10.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/5c/fb/5cfb42e201e0d370e33cff56f306026e.jpg?itok=C1coyJFJ ""Dracula: A Rock Ballet" runs at Madison's Overture Center for the Arts from March 8 to March 10.")
Marking Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross is offering a contest with the Madison Ballet. Donors can support the arts and pump up Mad-Town’s supply of blood and platelets at the same time.
“To kick off the long-awaited premiere of ‘Dracula,’ we invite [Madisonians] to give blood for a chance to join us for this exciting performance,” explained Gretchen Bourg, Madison Ballet’s general manager, on March 1.
Anyone donating blood or platelets at the Red Cross’ East or West Madison facilities from March 4 through March 9 may enter a drawing to win tickets to the March 10 performance of “Dracula: A Rock Ballet” at the Capitol Theater in the downtown Overture Center (see map) for the Arts.
“We felt that ‘Dracula’ presented the perfect opportunity to highlight the need for blood donors in our community,” Bourg continued. “Donating blood is an easy way to make a difference in the lives of others, and we encourage our arts patrons to consider lending an arm to the Red Cross and patients in need.”
The two-hour “Dracula” ballet, scored by Michael Massey and based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 horror novel, is a Steampunk version. Promotional materials suggest the program, directed by W. Earle Smith, is suitable for mature audiences only. Perhaps the subject matter sets viewers' blood pumping.
The Madison Ballet production of “Dracula” runs from March 8 through March 10. Tickets range from $15 to $70, except for the lucky winners of the American Red Cross blood donation contest ballet tickets.
Blood donation is simple and mostly painless – certainly not a pain in the neck.
All blood types are needed, according to the American Red Cross in Madison. Donors must be healthy, 17 years or older, at least 110 pounds, and presenting proper identification.
For more information:
- Madison East Donation Center, American Red Cross, 2109 Zeier Road, Madison, Wisconsin.
- Madison West Donation Center, American Red Cross, 4860 Sheboygan Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin
- Phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS – 1-800-733-2767
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