Vampires will dance in Vienna 4 Oct.

After five previews, Vienna's Raimund Theater will see the world premiere of Roman Polanski's musical Tanz der Vampire (Dance of the Vampires) on 4 Oct. Based on the 1967 MGM-movie of the same name (a.k.a. The Fearless Vampire Killers, or Pardon Me, Your Teeth are in My Neck) which Polanski directed and starred in, the stage version will spoof countless vampire movies.

Over the weekend of Sept. 27-28, the leading team (Polanski, composer Jim Steinman, author and lyricist Michael Kunze, costume designer Sue Blane, stage designer William Dudley, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone and choreographer Dennis Callahan) presented two numbers to the press. One of them, Totale Finsternis turned out to be Bonnie Tyler's hit Total Eclipse of the Heart, which was written by Steinman.

Interesting sideline: German author Michael Kunze first wrote his lyrics in English before translating them into German, thus making it easier for composer Steinman to create his mixture of ballads and rock-songs.

The music also received heavy praise by Steve Barton, who plays the role of Count Von Krolock: "The beauty of the score made me nearly cry." Aris Sas plays Alfred, the role Polanski originated in the movie, Cornelia Zenz is his beloved Sarah while Gernot Kranner plays Professor Abronsius.

Performances (opening night Oct. 4): Mon. - Sat .7.30 PM, Sun. 6 PM.

Tickets: WIEN-TICKET Tel: +43-1-58885; Vienna Ticket Service Tel:+43-1-534 17 75; Fax: +43-1-534 17 26.