Frankenstein Review

We both had the absolute pleasure of seeing this year's theater production of Frankenstein, based on the classic story by Mary Shelley and adapted by Meg O’Connor. Before we go deeper into what happened during the show, however, let us just say this: it is very rare to find a group of people so dedicated to a story that they fully do it justice. This group of young actors did exactly that. 

Frankenstein is a story that has been told over and over again, and yet this specific portrayal by our wonderful theater students has been one of the closest depictions of the book we have ever seen. Frankenstein is a very complex book, and anyone who has ever read the story can surely agree. This theater production blew our minds because it truly brought us back to the book, and into its misery, complexity, empathy, and sorrow. 

This story was told by jumping around between present and future, in which both Victor Frankenstein (Olive Tellegen) and the Creature (Kyle Jacoby, Courtenay Hohl, and Benedeta Lombardo) serve as narrators, in a way that serves only to clarify and not confuse. Speaking of the Creature, I think both of our journalists agree that it was one of the most impressive things we have ever seen on our stage. A nearly 8 foot tall monster (although, isn’t the monster truly Victor Frankenstein?) that towered over all of the actors and required three entire people to operate it. That was an entrance we will remember long after this show ends. 

Every big plot line in the book was seamlessly incorporated into this hour-and-a-half play. Everything from the unfulfilled romance, to murder, to the family in the cottage, the sea captain, and even the tragic court case. These young actors managed to show great justice to such an outdated story, perfectly retelling it to the best of their ability. 

Ultimately, it is impossible to talk about this show without mentioning the performances of this amazing cast who truly left us starstruck. We feel we must begin with giving our utmost kudos to Olive Tellegen, with one of the best performances we have seen in this theater's history. Her interpretation of Victor Frankenstein will haunt us in our sleep, especially the way she managed to nail the desperation and heartbreak that accompanies Victor Frankenstein in such a flawless way. 

But of course without having our amazing Birdie West as Elizabeth Frankenstein, this show couldn't be possible, with the most beautiful performance ( but lets be honest when is she not), Birdie stole our breath just like the monster stole hers. Along with Birdie, another amazing actor in this show is our own personal SCV micro-celebrity Charlotte Brown as Henry Clerval with acting so believable you wanted to follow her to Ingolstadt, Germany, just to see what she would get up to. Lastly, some honorable mentions was an absolutely heartbreaking performance by Grace Loughran as Justine Moritz (no, seriously. I cried), and a lighthearted and then soul-crushing performance by Mia Zwerling as William Frankenstein (hi mia, ily. Also, i cried). 

Huge, Huge, HUGE shoutout to tech as well, we all know this couldn’t be done without you. The lighting cues on the Creature, plus the music and sound effects during the storm. Every detail only served to give the audience the best experience (which it did), and the best start to this Halloween week.. Thank you theater production for such an amazing show and memorable night.