Foolishly Playing God

Frankenstein – Lifeline Theatre

 

Wisely eliminating the framing narrative from Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s original 1818 novel, Lifeline ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric has devised his own original version of the story. This is the first of four Chicago theatrical treatments of this groundbreaking novel that will honor the book’s 200th anniversary. Directed with style and suspense by Paul S. Holmquist, Kauzlaric’s collaborator for their previous Jeff Award-winning 2007 adaptation of “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” this marks the playwright’s return to the world of psychological horror.

Theatergoers who only know this Gothic horror story from the classic Boris Karloff film will be in for a surprise. Inspired by her travels throughout Germany and Switzerland, along with conversations with her traveling companions about science and the occult, the youngMary Shelley had a dream that inspired her famous novel.  

In this new, feminist version of “the Modern Prometheus,” Victor Frankenstein becomes Victoria. When her beloved father unexpectedly dies, Victoria scours the scientific journals to learn how to bring him back from the dead. However, despite her efforts to reanimate Alphonse into the handsome man he once was, the creature she creates is hideous. Victoria finallay realizes her mistake at tampering with nature and flees from the monster. She doesn’t anticipate the horror that will accompany his presence, as the creature seeks revenge upon her. 

When Victoria’s young brother William is killed by the creature, Justine, her dear friend and the young boy’s governess, is accused of the crime and hung for his murder. Then, in another gender change, Frankenstein’s best friend Henry becomes Helena, and is also killed by the monster. When her mother Caroline dies of grief and fright, Victoria accepts a proposal from Erich, changed from Elizabeth in this version, in the hopes of starting a new life. But when the creature seeks to punish Victoria for not creating a companion for himself, as he demanded, he does so by taking Erich’s life. Thus, Victoria is punished and, like her monster, left alone for foolishly playing God.

As Victoria, Ann Sonneville is beguiling as the strong, intelligent Victorian woman whose life is turned upside down in her determination to bring her beloved father back to life. By playing God, for her own selfish reasons, Victoria unwittingly causes a series of death and destruction that ultimately ruins so many other lives. Dressed in Victorian chic by the gifted costumer, Izumi Inaba, Ms. Sonneville is a fierce heroic presence.

The supporting cast is excellent, especially Chris Hainsworth as Victoria’s father, Alphonse, as well as the primary puppeteer, who almost vanishes into the shadows as he brings the creature to life. Rasika Ranganathan, always a fine addition to any cast, is excellent as Victoria’s friend, Helena. Trent Davis, who dazzled audiences last year as Charles Wallace in Lifeline’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” is terrific as William. Risha Tenae brings an elegant maturity and compassion as Caroline, Victoria’s mother. Emily Ayre elicits sympathy as Justine and Ty Carter strongly lends his love and support to Victoria as Erich. 

Lifeline has a spellbinding new hit on its hands. This intriguing, original, feminist retelling of Mary Shelley’s horror classic is presented without an intermission, so as not to break the story’s suspenseful mood. Dynamically directed and artistically elevated by a talented technical support team, this production captivates. Much credit goes to Cynthia Von Orthal for her frighteningly lifelike puppet that represents Frankenstein’s monster. Joe Schermoly’s haunted house-inspired scenic design, embellished by Jordan Kardasz’s eerie lighting effects and Barry Bennett’s dramatic original music and sound design all add up to the perfect Halloween treat.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas      

 

Presented September 7-October 28 by Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling them at 773-761-4477 or by going to www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com