The first performance of the new Frank Wildhorn Christopher Hampton-Don Black show was originally announced for July 19, then was bumped to July 26 to allow more time for the elaborate technical rehearsals.

Fans of the Bram Stoker gothic novel about vampires should expect flying blood-suckers (courtesy of the respected special-effects company Flying by Foy, of Peter Pan fame).

The creative team, including Tony Award-winner Des McAnuff, sought the delays of the first preview to accommodate tech rehearsals. Opening night remains Aug. 16.

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Dracula stars Tom Hewitt as Dracula and Melissa Errico as Mina Murray. The production will also feature Don Stephenson as Renfield, Darren Ritchie as Jonathan Harker, Kelli O'Hara as Lucy Westenra, Chris Hoch as Arthur Holmwood, Bart Shatto as Quincey Morris, Shonn Wiley as Jack Seward and Stephen McKinley Henderson as Abraham Van Helsing, with Celina Carvajal, Melissa Fagan, Jenifer Foote, Anthony Holds, Pamela Jordan, Elizabeth Loyacano, Tracy Miller, Graham Rowat, Megan Sikora and Chuck Wagner. The sensual thriller about vampires, their prey and their predators (based on the novel by Bram Stoker) has book and lyrics by Don Black (Sunset Blvd, Aspects of Love) and Christopher Hampton (Sunset Blvd., Les Liaisons Dangereuses) and music by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil War).

The production is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (Big River, The Who's Tommy), and choreographed by Mindy Cooper.

Dracula, The Musical is produced on Broadway by Dodger Stage Holding and Joop van den Ende, in association with Clear Channel Entertainment.

Tickets are on sale now through www.telecharge.com or (212) 239-6200 and (800) 223-7565 or at the Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street).

Visit www.DraculaonBroadway.com.