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Theatre Review: B Street Breathes New Life Into 'Frankenstein'

  •  Jeff Hudson 
Monday, February 29, 2016 | Sacramento, CA
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B Street Theatre / courtesy
 

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Gothic tales are intended to give you a shiver. I saw this show with a class of sixth-graders, and when the play began, amidst gloomy music and gathering darkness, one kid responded to the deliciously creepy atmosphere by letting out a whoop.

The story picks up on a dark and stormy night, amidst a gathering of the greatest English poets of the day. Young Mary Shelley suggests they have a contest to see who can tell the best ghost story.

Mary: And what do we win, if we tell the best ghost story?

Byron: And what do you win?

Mary: Yes.

Byron: Why Mary – Immortality, of course. The best stories are immortal.

Mary: Immortality, that is a worthy goal.

Byron: My lady, it is the only goal.

It is a measure of what Mary Shelley has achieved that almost everyone today knows the basic outline of the tale she created -- about a renegade medical researcher who reanimates a dead body. The creature he brings to life is unnaturally strong, remarkably cagey, and rather demanding. Very soon, the tables are turned.

Creature: You are my creator, but I am your master – Obey!

Victor: No, I will not! I will not add one abomination to another!

“You are my creator, but I am your master.” This ultimatum, penned by the teenage Mary Shelley, foretells our discussions today about artificial intelligence and genetic engineering. “Frankenstein” may be a Gothic thriller from a bygone age, and yet she made an absolutely brilliant call, 200 years ago.

But getting back to the production at hand... this well-crafted B Street adaptation is a beautiful paradox. It’s concise – 75 minutes long, just five actor -- and it’s a rattling-good yarn for 10- to 12-year-olds. But college-educated adults will also enjoy this far-sighted, cosmic tale with all its moral underpinnings, even if they just came along for the ride. Sometimes special gifts come in small packages, and the B Street’s “Frankenstein” – one of their better shows in recent years -- is a little jewel.

The B Street Family Series production of “Frankenstein” continues through March 20th.

Related stories from NPR:

Did Climate Inspire the Birth of a Monster?

Annotating 'Frankenstein' And Reviving A Classic


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  • Jerry Montoya: 2 Plays At The B Street Theatre

    Tuesday, February 23, 2016
    If you’ve ever chased two screaming children through a grocery store you can probably appreciate the current position of B Street Theatre Associate Producer Jerry Montoya.

 B Street Theatretheatre reviewFrankenstein

Jeff Hudson

Contributing Arts Reporter and Theatre Critic

Jeff Hudson has been contributing arts-related stories to Capital Public Radio since 1995, with an emphasis on theater and classical music. He attends over 100 performances annually, ranging from modern musicals to medieval masses.   Read Full Bio 

 Email Jeff Hudson

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