First published in What's Goin' On, January 24, 2002

I dropped some food and a few dollars into the appropriate holding areas in the lobby at UCCB, and then made my way to a sixth-row seat in the Boardmore Playhouse for the opening night of Frankenstein, directed by Aaron Corbett. The open format of the Boardmore allowed me to admire the set before the play began, and I was quite impressed. It’s a beautifully crafted two-story “stone” facade that through ingenious design and minimal changes becomes a ship, a lab, several rooms in various buildings, and many outdoor areas.

Because I haven’t yet read Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, nor seen any other production of this particular play, I didn’t quite know what to expect of the story. I was slightly familiar with her original version of the creature through other sources, so I did know there would be intelligence in the creature, but I wasn’t sure to what degree; with my previous exposure to the performers, I knew there’d be some good acting, but I wasn’t ready for how much. So I went in expecting to be surprised, and pleasantly; but even so, I wasn’t prepared for what I got: compelling storytelling, passionate characters, heartbreaking empathy, fright, suspense, tears, and even some laughter (although not much; it’s a very dark play). Within minutes of the lights going up, I was on the edge of my seat gasping for air.

On the whole, the cast manages the difficult lines and subject matter gracefully, with talent oozing at every turn. Don Townsend gives a perfectly frightful portrayal of the creature. He easily evokes both pity and hatred in the audience with his intelligent, loping, disfigured representation. The makeup was quite well done: it looked fabulously painful, convincing even from so close to the stage.

As Victor Von Frankenstein, Terrance Murphy gave me chills. The character’s internal struggles are in silent foot-high letters on his face and actions throughout the stellar performance. Even with a case of laryngitis, the actor managed to project quite well, and even to scream his character’s anguish, convincingly - at times I felt ill with empathy, and I had an urge more than once to go to his aid.

Colleen MacIsaac and Steve Corbett slip easily into the roles of Elizabeth and Henry, Dr. Frankenstein’s concerned fiancee and friend, respectively; while Keith Morrison does a finicky butler like nobody’s business. The rest of the ensemble are a sturdy, well-rounded support team with few flaws, providing a sturdy background for the main action.

The acting talent ‘round these parts has increased and improved in quality many times over in the past several years, and it’s very evident in this production. They pour themselves into the characters, allowing you to easily suspend that disbelief we’re always hearing about. These actors even manage to hide the tell-tale Cape Breton accent, a minor feat in itself. A friend said it was like we weren’t an audience at all, but bystanders, involved in the happenings uncomfortably in our 17th-century selves.

Frankenstein is running nightly at UCCB until Sunday, January 27. Showtime is 8pm, General Admission $7, Students $5. This play is disturbing, dark, and creepy, and I think you should pack up right now and get out to see it before it’s gone.