“Frankenstein 1930” turns the classic novel on its head giving a twist to “Frankenstein” that has remained a horror staple for over two centuries.
The play, which is running at the historic Long Beach Playhouse through Oct. 21, aims to present the 1931 film in a new light.
The interior of the Long Beach Playhouse reflects the theater’s 94 year history, with art deco decor and vintage photos lining the walls.
The Mainstage creates an intimate experience that immerses the audience in the play, with a small center stage and actors entering and exiting through the aisles.
Special effects including fog, colorful lighting, and simulated lightning and electricity puts the audience directly inside Frankenstein’s laboratory.
The play is full of humor and wit while still staying true to its gothic roots.
At the heart of the production, however, is the well-developed cast of characters that are anything but stereotypes.
“Doctor Frankenstein is challenging because he can so easily be cliched”, said David Vaillancourt, who plays Victor Frankenstein.
“I tried to give Dr. Frankenstein heart. I didn’t try to play him manic, I didn’t try to play him menacing. I just thought ‘he’s a guy who had this passion to create life’”.
Vaillancourt offered a different perspective behind Victor’s motivations for creating his monster.
“Because of some past loss, because his father has passed by the time the events of the play occur, is there a way to stop people from losing anymore?”
Adriana Catanzarite who played Elizabeth also felt the character needed a twist.
“She’s a very typical damsel in distress and I didn’t want to play her like that. I wanted to give her more depth, make her a little more interesting,” Catanzarite said.
Catanzarite wanted to understand why her character chose to stay with her fiance, Victor Frankenstein, instead of being with the couple’s close friend Henry Lovitz.
“The real struggle was trying to figure out why she’s staying with Victor, and it’s kind of clear that the relationship is not what she wants it to be. And trying to figure out her motivations and why she’s pushing Henry away,” Catanzarite said.
One of the more complex characters in the play was the creature himself, played by Charlie Spencer. The character has no spoken lines, Spencer relied on physical movements to bring life to the creature.
“It was a challenge trying to convey emotion and convey meaning without having any dialogue … it’s all in the character’s head. What I’m feeling and what I’m thinking and what I want to say I can’t actually say,” Spencer said.
Daniel Hastey compared his character, Henry Lovitz, to Ryan Gosling’s Ken from the recent “Barbie” movie.
“I brought all the Kenergy I could to this piece. I Kenned as hard as I could,” Hastey said.
Overall, “Frankenstein 1930” is an excellent way to celebrate spooky season.
“It just gets you in the Halloween spirit,” said Vaillancourt. “It is a family friendly show and it is frighteningly fun.”
The play is running at the Long Beach Playhouse through Oct. 21.