“Frankenstein” (Creature’s Perspective) at A Noise Within

THEATRE REVIEW

Kasey Mahaffy, Michael Manuel, and Erika Soto in Frankenstein at A Noise Within (Photo – Craig Schwartz)

A Noise Within practiced one of their specialties (presenting an alternate perspective on a classic) on “Frankenstein,” and the result is mesmerizing to watch and philosophically intriguing to consider.

By Carol Edger Germain

Nick Dear’s adaptation of the story, directed by Michael Michetti within sparse, intimate staging, focuses on the creature’s point of view about his “birth” and human journey, with its attendant harsh realizations, yearnings, and painful (but sometimes beautiful and enlightening) interactions with society.

The Creature (played by the talented and intuitive Michael Manuel) is cast out to make his own way by Victor Frankenstein (Kasey Mahaffy), who is apparently frustrated and disappointed with the results of his experiment, as well as the subsequent attempt at a love interest for the Creature. Victor’s fiance, Elizabeth (Erika Soto), makes more of a connection with the Creature. There is also a bit of humor, some of it occurring during one of the most touching sequences, where the Creature absorbs a crash course in science, literature, and philosophy under the kind tutelage of a blind professor (Harrison White) and believably absorbs enough information to become more articulate and increase his self-awareness and venture back out into society with the expectation of assimilation. But the horror is there as well, as complete humanity and connection with humans is not to be.

I do feel that a couple of the scenes could be compressed (for example, the opening sequence, while fascinating to watch, could provide enough dramatic physicality of the Creature’s birth in a shorter period), as the play runs 2 hours with no intermission.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend this adaptation, whether you are a fan of the original book and movie or not, as it explores a thought-provoking subject and provides fantasy, horror, humor, intrigue, and the opportunity to exercise your philosophical imagination.

Katie Rodriguez and Michael Manuel in Frankenstein (Photo – Craig Schwartz)

Frankenstein
• Adapted by Nick Dear
Directed by Michael Michetti
Scenic Design by François-Pierre Couture
Costume Design by Garry Lennon
Lighting Design by Jared A. Sayeg
Original Music/Sound Design by Robert Oriol
• Cast:
Michael Manuel, Kasey Mahaffy, Erika Soto. Click for full cast and ensemble.
A Noise Within
3352 E. Foothill, Pasadena, CA 91107
• 8/30, 8/31, 9/6, 9/7 – 8 pm
8/31, 9/1, 9/7, 9/8 – 2 pm
9/5 7:30 pm
• Free parking.
• General admission: $25 – $78 (discount tickets for some dates available @ goldstar.com)
Purchase tickets here.