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The Chicago Children’s Theatre has taken the risk of presenting this show and has succeeded in making Bram Stoker’s world-famous horror story palatable for a young audience. The secret is in the script, which balances spine-tingling scenes with ones that tickle the funny bone with quick-witted dialogue and a touch of melodrama. The setting is an ominous English study paneled in dark wood and decorated in deep red velvet. Stoker’s story has been somewhat simplified, but the essentials remain. As Wilhemina, Dracula’s would-be mate, Andrea Stevens is both frail and strong-willed. Jamie Vann as Dracula’s lunatic disciple, who eats live flies, comes across as a laughable and tragic figure. Dracula is imposing as portrayed by Kyle Hall, who appears in gusts of mist to the sound of heart-thumping music. Dressed in pale brocades and velvet to reflect the color of a person drained of life, he is frightening and fascinating and worthy of pity. Director Scott Ferguson smoothly leads the cast back and forth between comedy and drama, up to the blood-curdling ending. At the Mercury Theatre, 3745 N. Southport Ave., through Nov. 1; 773-262-9848.