“Frankenstein”

***** We all grew up with the understanding that “Frankenstein” was a monster. The story, created by Mary Shelley, goes back to the 1800’s and was written to win a contest for best horror story. In reality, the monster is, in fact, a monster and was created by Dr. Victor Frankenstein, but over the years, most of us tend to refer to the monster as “Frankenstein”. Tonight, I attended the Chicago “premiere” of Liam Scarlett’s ballet, “Frankenstein” at The Lyric Opera. Attending with me, was my granddaughter, Caitlin, who is truly a lover of scary stories and movies, and yet had never been exposed to the ballet. She was witness to a magnificent production and a twist of the story that we know will surprise you completely.

This is a long, three act production with music by Lowell Liebermann and brilliant choreography by Liam Scarlett. Caitlin did not know that ballet is storytelling with no words, but by the time it was over, she truly understood just how beautiful this art form is. The story is still about a “monster” ( played beautifully by Jonathan Dole) and my suggestion to anyone new to the art is to read the notes that come with the program. Each scene is explained, so if you read each act prior to the start, you will find it much easier to stay with the story. FYI-The players might be different at each performance as Ballet companies do that. I will say that there is magic in the way that the Creature (Dole) works with his creator, Victor Frankenstein ( played to perfection by Jose Pablo Castro Cuevas).

Members of the company that truly stood out for Caitlin, young Sheppard Littroll as William Frankenstein ( younger brother to Victor) and in the early scenes, Oliver Reeve Libke as Victor, Caroline Price as young Elizabeth and  Penelope McAllister as Justine. Later on the role of Elizabeth is handled by the graceful Amanda Assucena. The ensemble is wonderful, many playing several characters. The dancing is unique and the sets and special effects mind-boggling.

Be aware that this is not the same story you were used to and Boris Karloff does not represent the “Creature” in this version. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will only tell you that this story is a journey showing the life and love of Victor. While we know the story, this version is more delicate, and emotional and in some ways, you will find yourself feeling sorry for the “Creature” who never asked to be what he was. There is no town-burning him scene. In fact, the final scene will perhaps shock you, but it will truly make sense. The story still shows bringing a dead man to life, but gives you an entirely different perspective.

Forget what you know and open your mind to a unique and different way to see this story unfold.

“Frankenstein” will continue Thru – Oct 22, 2023