Review: FRANKENSTEIN at Denver Center Theatre Company

When you think of Frankenstein, it's easy to default to a mad scientist cackling in his lab as he electrifies a boxy green guy with bolts in his neck. That's not what's happening right now at the Denver Center-it's so much better.

This version of Frankenstein, still taking its plot from Mary Shelley's novel, has been adapted by Nick Dear. You may have actually caught it in cinemas back in 2011 (headlined by Benedict Cumberbatch), where it was one of the first major successes for National Theatre Live.

The DCPA version is directed by Sam Buntrock, who last directed for the company with Ed, Downloaded as well as the most recent Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George. If that tells you anything about Buntrock' style, he's got a knack for multimedia on stage.

Frankenstein's story starts after the monster's creation, so don't expect the iconic beginning from the movie. But that's ok. This is the monster's story, and you're watching it essentially from his eyes.

The roles of Frankenstein and his monster are rotated between two actors, SulliVan Jones and Mark Junek. The night I caught it, Jones played doctor while Junek was the monster.

Junek's visceral take on the monster is a master class. He begins barely being able to stand, babbling and fumbling around the stage. He's an adult baby in the most impressive way. But his monster isn't intimidating (yet). He's endearing and fragile, misunderstood and learning a world that already doesn't accept him.

Jones has a brief appearance as Frankenstein at the beginning, but he returns about halfway through the production. His performance is calculated and deeper than you expect, but the role of the monster is where the meat is. I can only imagine what this actor would have brought to the monster role, and I'm a little bummed I can't catch the role reversal. (But I've heard it's worth it.)

While the performances in this production are superior, the design is spectacular. Jason Sherwood's scenic design is one of the best I've seen in this space, focusing itself toward a darker atmosphere, bringing in rain, snow and fire. The effects alone are enough to make you want to catch this one.

Kevin Copenhaver's costumes are dazzling per usual, and the lighting by Brian Tovar blankets the show with ominous perfection. A large ever-present set piece suspended above the stage showcases an impressive projection design by Charlie Miller and Topher Blair.

This production of Frankenstein brings a new life to the classic tale. It's alive, but this monster is beautiful.

Frankenstein plays the Denver Center Theatre Company's Stage Theatre through Oct 30. Tickets are available at DenverCenter.org, by calling (303) 893-4100 or visiting the box office located in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex.

Photo Credit: AdamsVisCom

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