The Monsters Within Us

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – Lookingglass Theatre Company

This magnificent new production, suitably housed within Chicago’s Gothic-inspired Water Tower Pumping Station, is the most recent of four Windy City adaptations of Mary Shelley’s classic horror story. The novel, which just celebrated its 200th anniversary, has been read, reinvented and enjoyed for generations. Each theatrical variation has been unique, offering Chicago audiences a quartet of compelling, valid retellings of this impressive literary classic, the work of a young writer who had not yet turned 20 when it was created. As with Court Theatre’s 2018 production, Lookingglass’ beguiling original adaptation begins with, and continually returns to its source, reminding us how Mary Shelley came to write her remarkable story. But, more than that, this production focuses on the monsters that lie within each of us.

Late during the summer of 1816, lovely, young Mary Shelley and her handsome husband Percy Bysshe Shelley are trying to enjoy a holiday escape at their Swiss lake house. In an attempt to pass the time during an all-day thunderstorm, the Shelleys, along with their houseguests, Lord Byron, his pregnant lover, Claire Clairmont, and their friend, Dr. Polidori, are having a friendly competition. In an attempt to see who can spin the most horrifying ghost story, each participant takes his turn. But it’s Mary’s tale about Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his mad attempt to play God that becomes the clear favorite; and it’s this story we see played out before us, by a talented five member troupe.

Eloquent, multitalented Cordelia Dewdney, remembered from last season’s production of “Hard Times,” is simply captivating as Mary Shelley. She shades her character’s every word, look and gesture with the memory of her baby’s recent death. She also suspects her husband’s lack of ardor as a result of his amorous adventures with other women. Ms. Dewdney effortlessly pops in and out of the story, sometimes playing Mary Shelley, sometimes an objective storyteller. She also doubles as Elizabeth, Victor Frankenstein’s adopted sister and love interest, as well as the creature’s would-be life companion. In every role, the actress is sensational.

Walter Briggs, a favorite ensemble actor with this company, portrays Shelley, doubling in the role of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. This talented performer was recently seen in Lookingglass Theatre’s world premiere of “Act(s) of God,” as well as in “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and “Moby Dick.” He’s an actor’s actor, a thespian who throws himself completely into every role he undertakes, and this challenging play is a perfect example of the strength of his skill. Mr. Briggs’ emotional and sheer physical involvement takes far more stamina than can ever be described. This actor’s performance must be seen to be appreciated.

Playing Lord Bryon, the Creature and a host of other minor characters, gifted actor Keith D. Gallagher returns to this stage, after having been seen in most every theatre in Chicago. As licentious and self-entitled Lord Bryron, Mr. Gallagher is excellent. But he’s equally as raw and emotionally tormented as Frankenstein’s unnamed creature. The actor’s physical prowess makes him as frightening as he is frightened by the real monsters he finds within the people around him. Only the innocence of a blind old man and a young child offer the Creature a few treasured moments of warmth and kindness. Gallagher is a most beguiling and bewitching actor who well  understands how to wield his craft.

Debo Balogun makes his Lookingglass Theatre debut as Dr. Polidori, Henry Clavell and several other characters. Mr. Balogun most recently thrilled audiences with his pivotal role in Steep Theatre’s “Red Rex. In this production he stretches his dramatic muscles to breathe life into several different strong individuals. He’s matched by another Lookingglass first-timer, Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, who plays Claire Clairmont, young William Frankenstein and a host of frightening creatures. The actress has been seen at theatres all over Chicago, including her Jeff Award-winning performance at Steep Theatre. In this production she gets to literally spread her wings, bringing a power and magnetism sometimes unequaled by anyone else on stage. 

Ensemble member David Catlin capably directs this production of his own work. Mr. Caitlin is known for his previous adaptations of “Lookingglass Alice” and “Moby Dick.” Much like his other scripts, Caitlin’s latest is filled with tension, excitement, naked emotion and breathtaking physicality. He’s designed his drama to be enacted by a cast of five versatile actors portraying multiple roles. He’s ably assisted by two talented artists working behind the scenes: Circus Designer, Sylvia Hernandez-Distasi, and Dialect Coach, Linda Gates. 

Scenic Designer Daniel Ostling has fashioned an intimate environment in which the cast can play. This arena production makes great use of the entire venue, utilizing every passage, aisle and staircase. The set is adorned with hidden cubby holes and trapdoors, and acrobatic rigging and scrim curtains conveniently drop from above. Tiny satellite stages are located throughout the audience, for an added, personal effect. A particularly moody lighting design by William C. Kirkham blends together illumination and shadows, creating the perfect eerie atmosphere throughout the two-act play; and Sound Designer/Composer Rick Sims brings together all the elements with his own finesse. Sully Ratke’s superb period costumes add one more layer of artistry to this production, beautifully defining each character in fabric and finery, grit and grunge.

There’s so much to recommend this spectacular, yet passionately heartfelt, production. It begins with a powerful script by David Catlin, a talented playwright, whose past work speaks for itself. And then it’s brilliantly directed by Mr. Catlin, a gifted artist who knows how best to bring his own words to life, from page to stage. It’s a production that works because of the unified support offered by a multitalented staff of unseen heroes. Enacted by a committed, creative cast, led by the superb Cordelia Dewdney, Mary Shelley’s story radiates with love, sorrow, thrills and chills, reminding us that life’s real monsters are not created in a laboratory, but reside within each of us.   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

Presented May 8-August 4 by Lookingglass Theatre Company inside the historic Water Tower Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-337-0665 or by going to www.lookingglasstheatre.org.

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