Dracula in a bunny suit

Bram Stoker, who created the character of Count Dracula in 1897, would be quite amused and probably flattered at the variations his vampire has spawned -- from “Nosferatu” in 1922 to the Bela Lugosi bloodsucker in 1931 and the diverse descendants to which the Transylvanian ultimately gave birth.

But Stoker would be absolutely stoked at what’s going on at South Coast Repertory’s Julianne Argyros Stage these days. His Dracula has inspired a vampire rabbit called “Bunnicula” who prowls the kitchen after dark to quench his thirst with the juice of ... vegetables.

Adapted by Jon Klein from the children’s book by Deborah and James Howe, this fanged, red-eyed creature is the centerpiece of a musical comedy in which the family’s cat and dog devour most of the edible punch lines. In director Stefan Novinski’s SCR Theater for Young Audiences production, these household pets are particularly appealing.

Harold the dim bulb of a canine (Louis Lotoroto) and Chester, the female kitty with a male name (Diana Burbano) are pretty much the stars of this comic horror epic. Burbano is especially effective manipulating the family with her feline wiles and using Lotoroto as a handy foil.

The human elements of the family -- Mom (Jennifer Parsons), Dad (Tom Shelton) and their two sons (Robert Negron and Travis Vaden) are hilariously garbed in matching attire both for daytime and bedtime occasions. They inject some well-placed humor into the mystery.

Bunnicula himself (or herself) is a puppet controlled by Mauri Bernstein, whose presence is next to invisible. Bernstein skillfully operates the rabbit’s expressions as well as its movements, then fills in briefly as a veterinarian.

Bright, bouncy musical selections by playwright Klein (lyrics) and Chris Jeffries (music) keep the show on an upbeat note, despite the presence of a vampire in the bunny cage. Burbano leads the company in the most appealing of the six songs, “Poor Cat,” a high-stepping comical strut.

Parents may breathe easier knowing that the show ends happily -- no stakes in the bunny’s heart at the end, although a steak is employed earlier. It’s all good, family fun with an engaging musical beat.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Fridays.

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: “Bunnicula”

* WHERE: South Coast Repertory Julianne Argyros Theater, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

* WHEN: 2 and 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 7 p.m. Nov. 18; 1, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 2 and 4:30 p.m. Nov. 20

* COST: $12 to $25

* CALL: (714) 708-555520051111gzgnh2ke(LA)