NEW YORK—If you expect to see in Frankenstein a frightening, enormous monster such as Boris Karloff portrayed in the 1931 film, you're in for a surprise. Called the "Creature" here, as portrayed by Steve Blanchard he is a well-built, strong male, but there is nothing of the monster about him. He seems a vulnerable and sometimes pitiable man who has encountered unfortunate experiences that have led him to make tragic choices.
Not the light-hearted, comedic version that's sometimes been seen in the past (or may be seen a few blocks away from the 37 Arts Theater, in Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein ), this musical Frankenstein boasts many songs, although there is no dancing.
With book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson and music by Mark Baron, from an original story adaptation by Gary P.Cohen, this Frankenstein is reputed to be very close to the tale as originally written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley in 1818.
Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Hunter Foster) has obtained the corpse of a hanged criminal. The doctor, by his scientific devices, is able to bring to life this dead man—known simply as the "Creature."
It is Frankenstein's hope that the Creature will go out into the world and do good deeds. Unfortunately, the doctor's creation meets with too many negative experiences along the way, and his superior strength, melded with a childlike mentality, leads him to repeat past destructive behavior.
Although Frankenstein's loyal wife, Elizabeth Lavenza (Christiane Noll, who displays a lovely soprano), supports him she expresses concern at her husband's obsessive interest in the Creature. Victor's father, Alphonse (Eric Michael Gillett) and Caroline, his mother (Becky Barta), also wish their son would desist from his headstrong path.
Later interacting with the Creature are a blind man (Aaron Serotsky) and Agatha, his daughter (Casey Erin Clark). William, Victor's young brother (Struan Erlenborn), ultimately falls prey to the Creature's unstable moods as does William's governess, Justine Moritz (Mandy Bruno).
Things do not end well. Perhaps the message is that one should not tamper with nature. Victor Frankenstein has gone beyond the norms of both science and society, and he cannot but fail.
Under Bill Fennelly's direction, performances are excellent, with Steve Blanchard's Creature arguably taking highest honors for dramatic intensity and a powerful, moving baritone. He is followed closely by Hunter Foster, whose concentration never wavers in his character's determination to give productive life to the Creature.
The production's sinister and dark style is supported by the stark and economical scenic design by Kevin Judge and complementary lighting by Thom Weaver. At times a fog envelops the stage, increasing the sense of mystery and potential doom. However, that this production is a musical should not be underestimated, for over twenty songs are interspersed throughout, such as "An Angel's Embrace," sung effectively by the Creature (Blanchard), "The Coming of the Dawn" sung by Victor Frankenstein (Foster), "The Sorrow Born of Dreams," sung by the entire company.
Overall, the production conveys a sense of anticipation, uncertainty, and romance, very much in line with Mary Shelley's concept, which is believed to be a forerunner of the Gothic novel.
Frankenstein
37 Arts Theater
450 West 37 Street
Tickets: (212) 307-4100 or TicketMaster.com
Open run
Diana Barth writes and publishes "New Millennium," an arts newsletter.
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