‘Monster-hit’ makes Toronto premier

Catalyst Theatre’s Frankenstein, an award-winning adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic gothic novel, comes to Toronto after already taken western Canada by storm.

The production, conceived by Artistic Director Jonathan Christenson, is a highly stylized musical adaptation of Shelley’s work. The cautionary tale about the consequences of interfering with nature – and the universal search for love and acceptance – revolves around Dr. Frankenstein and his tormented creature who becomes increasingly hostile towards the man who made and abandoned him, and the society that repels him.

The dreamlike spectacle features the original cast of eight actors in over 40 roles and integrates poetic text, witty song, stylized movement and fantastical costumes and sets made almost entirely of white paper. It is a quirky, beautiful and often ghoulishly humorous retelling of a timeless story.

Frankenstein – which played its 100th performance in April – has enjoyed sold-out runs in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, Saskatoon, Whitehorse, Vernon BC and Fort McMurray AB, and collected eight Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards including Outstanding New Play, Production of a Musical, Score, Set, Costume and Lighting Design.

Co-creators Jonathan Christenson and Bretta Gerecke wrote, “We were drawn to Frankenstein as a powerful contemporary myth, one that speaks on both the personal and the collective level and to explore deeply felt, if rarely expressed, fears and longings that transcend time and space. It was a story that seemed at once topical and timeless.”

Frankenstein opens May 6 and continues to May 29, 2010 at the Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street East, Toronto. Tickets are from $20 and are available in person, by phone 416.368.3110, or online at canadianstage.com.

Photo By Photomagic