Sean-Michael Wilkinson as Victor Frankenstein, Photo by Avery Brunkus
Now running at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is a stunning production of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The play comes from author Mary Shelley's original 1818 book of Frankenstein. This version of the play is written by David Catlin. It plays now through November 16th at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
In many ways this show is a perfect selection for the Halloween season. However, it is more than a scary story as it probes the mysteries of what makes a life worth living.
STNJ Artistic Director Brian B. Crowe directs the production. Press notes provide a quote from Director Crowe which gives a good description of the play:
Part gothic horror, part psychological examination of morality, this adaptation brings Shelley’s masterpiece to life and infuses it with the complex world of its brilliant author. Audiences can expect all the chills and thrills that are the hallmark of Shelley’s grotesque tale, as well as several electrifying surprises along the way.
The play centers around the creation of the Creature by Victor Frankenstein. It you are a fan of the original 1931 movie where Boris Karloff played this role, then you will need to adjust your recognition of what it looks like. There are no bolts or square head. Instead there is a figure who looks like a man but has distortions. This resemblance allows the audience to delve deeper into the psyche of that figure. With it comes questions of morality and just how far can or should a person go to create a life.
How the Story is Told
The play is actually a story within a story. It begins on a rainy June evening in 1816 at the Villa Diodati at Lake Geneva, Switzerland., A group gathers and a challenge by Lord Byron for a horror story competition starts. Eventually, Mary Shelley’s story prevails over all other competitors. So the play goes into the story we now call Frankenstein.
It is important to note that with this being a story told, the actors all play two roles. So at the competition gathering, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (Amber Friendly) is telling the story. However, the same actress plays Elizabeth when Mary tells her story.
Dr. John Polidori (Neil Redfield) appears as Henry, the very good friend of Victor Frankenstein (Sean-Michael Wilkinson). But before he appears in the story, Williamson plays the part of Percy Bysshe Shelley.
On that rainy night, a character named Claire Clairmont (Brooke Turner) listens to Mary describe her tale. She later plays Mother in Mary’s story.
The final member of the group hearing the tale is Lord Byron (Jay Wade). He takes on the role of The Creature in the strange tale being told.
Victor (Sean-Michael Wilkinson) with his creation (Jay Wade). Photo by Avery Brunkus
The Story Mary Shelley Tells on that Rainy Evening
When Victor Frankenstein studies about life, he decides to create one on his own. He digs up corpses and assembles what resembles a man. Through the use of electricity from a severe thunder and lighting storm, he brings the creature to life. The creature escapes and Frankenstein sets out to find him.
The play does an excellent job of probing into the psyche of the Creature. He realizes he is alone and he craves human contact. Eventually he comes to a home where a family lives. He makes a connection with a blind musician but it is short lived. The creature tries to find Frankenstein.
When he finds him, he asks for him to make a female companion for him. Frankenstein attempts it, but he is now questioning the validity of what he has done with these creations. He destroys the female rather than setting it out in the world. When the mate does not come about, the Creature attempts to hurt Frankenstein which he does when he kills Henry.
The sensitivity of the feelings the Creature displays are quite amazing. The thought that he will not be able to have a life with love and companionship but only rejection cause great despair.
All the actors in this play turn in great performances. But a special round of applause goes out to Jay Wade for his superb portrayal of the Creature.
Staging Enhanced by Special Effects
There are many fine moments in this play that are greatly enhanced by the staging and special effects. The sounds of the thunder and lighting add that frightening feeling to the action taking place. The search for the Creation and the death scenes are well handled due to the work of the creatives in this show. This includes set designer Sarah Beth Hall; costume designer Yao Chen; and lighting designer Andrew Hungerford. Serving as sound designer is Ariana Cardoza; intimacy and fight director Rocio Mendez; and vocal and dialect coach is Julie Foh. Jackie Mariani is the production stage manager, with Alayna Domboski and Keys Newell rounding out the stage management team.
A dark moment in the show, photo by Avery Brunkus
To Go to the Show
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein runs approximately 2 hours with one intermission.
Content Advisories from STNJ: the play explores themes of creation, loss, and humanity, with moments of horror and stylized violence. Haze will also be used during the performance. Recommended for audiences ages 12+.
Tickets are available at ShakespeareNJ.org or by calling 973-408-5600.
Special Events for Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
* Symposium Series #1 — Tuesday, October 28th following performance: Engage with the cast during a lively post-show chat.
* Know-the-Show Series— Thursday, October 30th starting at 6:45 p.m.: Learn about the playwright and the production from the Artistic Team prior to the show.
The performance on October 30th will also include Closed-Captioning for patrons who require those services.
* The Monster Mash — Friday, October 31st starting at 6:30 p.m.: A spooky, festive pre-show event! Fun prizes and yummy nibbles included.
* Symposium Series #2 — Saturday, November 1st following matinee performanceEngage with the cast during a lively post-show chat.
*Sensory Seminar— Thursday, November 6th starting at 6:30 p.m.: Get a hands-on experience at the Theatre, designed for Blind/low-vision patrons.
The performance on November 6th will also include Audio Description for patrons who require those services.
* Hobnob & Hang — Friday, November 7th following performance: Mix and mingle with fellow theatre lovers after the show!
* Symposium Series #3— Saturday, November 8th following matinee performance: Engage with the cast during a lively post-show chat.
* Storefront To Stage — Friday, November 14th starting at 6:30 p.m.: Connect with your local businesses before the show and during intermission.
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