FRANKENSTEIN: “ALL I ASK IS THE POSSIBILITY OF LOVE”

Who doesn’t love Frankenstein’s monster, the hideous creature unnaturally created in a lab from deceased humans’ and animals’ parts? Yes, he does evil things, but who can blame him? Since the publication of Mary Shelley’s popular novel in 1818, the name “Frankenstein” has often been used, erroneously, to refer to the monster rather than to his creator/father. The novel explores themes of death, rebirth, and paternity through its horrifying narrative and dramatic conclusion. As such, several different renditions have become icons in the horror genre over the years. This production by Nick Dear, for Massachusetts-based Roundabout Productions, offers a slightly different perspective. Director Mark Prokes led this enthusiastic cast of 12 in a bold version that sometimes defied the norm.

Prokes says, “There is a lot of very intense material in this play — some things that people very much would not like to think about. That’s part of what art is for, though. It allows us to confront uncomfortable truths. Nothing in this show is glorified, no one comes out looking like the hero. There are only monsters, and the monsters who made them.” He adds, “This has been one of the most phenomenal casts to work with. There were truly no small parts in this show. My biggest regret is that I couldn’t find more for each of them to do.”

The Creature, as portrayed by Sam Deans, appeared mostly juvenile and whimsical. It was interesting to watch him energetically morph into the enraged “hideous” creature as the play progressed to the end. While his temper and torment were evident, Deans’ youthful good looks and child-like innocence did not exude that of a monstrously murderous beast. This required suspension of disbelief from the viewers. Many of us are all too familiar with the Hollywood versions we’ve seen, and so we come to the theater expecting to see the likes of Boris Karloff’s creepy creature, or the heartbreak and anguish of Robert De Niro’s ill-tempered monster. This version gave us a different angle to consider.

Kyle W. Porter adeptly portrayed Victor Frankenstein as a mad scientist who was heartless and egotistical to the end. Frankenstein’s younger brother, William, was adorably portrayed by Ellis Bastien. Sam Terranova as the Female Creature creatively danced off the scientist’s slab as if in a fairy dream. There were violent depictions of threats, intimidation, physical altercations and death, all cleverly handled for viewer sensitivity. Other cast members included Stephanie Sivalingam, Alex Aponte,  Shaughn Earle, Chris Lichtenberg, Graysen Mortimer, Kayla Durkin, Jade Ansell, and Jim Cannizzaro. Lighting was a collaboration between Doug Greene and Lori Beck. Sound effects such as a beating and crickets ,uniquely guided us into the settings. Kudos to Lori Beck for this also!

Roundabout Productions engages and entertains audiences with theatrical productions ranging from classics to new works. A 501(c) (3) non-profit supporting emerging talent, they provide instruction and performance opportunities to artists of all levels. Frankenstein was presented through September 22 after closing out Richard III. Watch for their upcoming season! They are located at Robert J. Coelho Middle School in Attleboro, MA. For more information, visit https://www.roundaboutproductions.org/.