“Frankenstein” reviewed by Michael Horn

Highly Recommended **** The Court Theatre continues its 64th season with its 2nd important production; the world premiere of “Frankenstein” by Manual Cinema, adapted from the novel by Mary Shelley.  Manual Cinema is a collaboration between sound designers and composers Ben Kauffman and Kyle Vegter and puppetry artists Julia Miller, Drew Dir, and Sarah Formance.  They use the language of cinema to tell theatrical stories onstage and this classic horror novel takes on a new face in the hands of Manual Cinema, providing the viewer with an audio-visual experience that is unique and magical.

This production is like no other; a film-theater hybrid that uses overhead projectors, light boxes, small cameras, puppets, shadow figures, and screen back drops to achieve its effects, all old school.  It is amazing to watch this talented group of professionals work their magic on-stage, while viewing the results of their efforts on a projection screen above the stage.  Add the richness of an original musical score performed by four talented musicians, (Zachary Good, Deidre Huckaby, Lia Kohl, Peter Ferry) using flutes, clarinets, a cello, drums, chimes, bells, pianos, other percussion devices, haunting vocals, and the result is captivating!

This adaptation of Shelley’s novel weaves her biography with a focus on birth, loss, humanity, and desire. The first part of the production lays the background for the story, how the novel came to be, and relies heavily on puppeteering, overhead imaging, and light boxes.  The second part of the production adds actors, live and onscreen, as a silent movie, using subtitles, and, of course, terrific sound effects. It is difficult to act without dialogue, but Sarah Fornace, who plays Mary Shelley/Victor Frankenstein and Julia VanArsdale Miller, who plays The Creature/Elizabeth Frankenstein/Fanny Imlay, are excellent and up to the task.  Leah Casey, Sara Sawicki, and Myra Su, in a variety of roles, provide fine support. Costume design by Mieka van der Ploeg give the actors the period look in each scene.

One might think that without dialogue it would be hard for the audience to feel the emotion of the characters or become immersed in the story, but this is not the case! Yes, it helps to be somewhat familiar with the story, but, the magic of Manual Cinema, the compelling performances of the actors, and the mesmerizing sounds of the music all blend together in a way that allows the audience to understand each scene and feel the characters joy,      despair, and anger.

This is a show that will be viewed from different perspectives; the overhead screens, the puppeteers working with overhead projectors and light boxes, the musicians moving from instrument to instrument, the actors working in a variety of places on stage. The set design by Rasean Davonte Johnson and lighting design by Claire Chrzan encourage the audience to explore the  many facets of the production as they watch.

Frankenstein by Manual Cinema is unique, artistic, and innovative.  It is ambitious, but it is the epitome of what creative theater can be, and kudos to the Court for bringing this special production to the community.

Frankenstein will run through December 2, 2018

Schedule:  Wed,Thurs/Fri:  7:30PM

                   Sat/Sun:              2:00PM & 7:30PM     

Location:   Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL

Tickets:      $50-$74 Box Office: (773) 753-4472 or www.Courttheatre.org

FREE Parking is available in the garage next to the theater.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Frankenstein”

There are several different productions on this the special anniversary year. Make sure you select the correct one.