Photo Flash: Rabbit Hole Ensemble's Doctor Frankenstein's Magical Creature

Rabbit Hole Ensemble (RHE) premiered Part One of their "Year of Frankenstein" in October 2010, with THE TRAGIC STORY OF DOCTOR FRANKENSTEIN, which was acclaimed by critics as "fabulously horrific" and "a fantastic and unique interpretation of Mary Shelley's classic." RHE is thrilled to present Part Two, DOCTOR FRANKENSTEIN'S MAGICAL CREATURE, which tells the strange and wonderful story of the female creature. Both a sequel and an independent play, this dynamic new version will feature multiple actors playing the same role and the narrative techniques of story theatre to put a new spin on one of the world's classic stories. Directed by Artistic Director Edward Elefterion, the production will feature the same Kabuki theatre techniques, strong physicality, innovative design, and signature minimalism as Part One. Much like RHE's award-winning adaptation of Dracula (THE NIGHT OF NOSFERATU), the company is working with resident playwright Stanton Wood in a year-long exploration of FRANKENSTEIN and its themes; Parts One and Two will come together in a full length production in fall 2011.

Stanton Wood is the Resident Playwright at Rabbit Hole Ensemble. His play, BIG THICK ROD (RHE/FringeNYC 2008), was recently published by Original Works. His productions with RHE include CANDIDE AMERICANA and THE NIGHT OF NOSFERATU (2008 NYITA nomination for Outstanding Full-Length Script). Director Edward Elefterion is the Artistic Director of Rabbit Hole Ensemble, recipient of the 2008 NYIT Award for Outstanding Director, and nominee for the 2009 NYIT Award for Outstanding Choreography. Among his credits: the award-winning THE NIGHT OF NOSFERATU, BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES ("taut, powerful," Theateronline), SHADOW OF HIMSELF by Neal Bell (called "captivating" by Showbusiness Weekly), CANDIDE AMERICANA. He has taught acting at Hofstra University for the past ten years, and is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC).

Featured in the cast: Arthur Aulisi (named Person of the Year 2008 by nytheatre.com), Emily Hartford (off Broadway's THE CONTRAST at Mirror Repertory Company), Elyse Knight (AWOL at The Public Theatre and A NIGHT AT THE OPERA at EST), Jocelyn O'Neil (MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at the Lincoln Center Institute/Aquila Theatre Co.), Nikki Dillon (HOLLY DOWN IN HEAVEN at New Dramatists), and Rachel Pearl.

RABBIT HOLE ENSEMBLE, founded in 2005, is a Brooklyn-based theatre company that engages the imagination of audiences by using the power of the performer to create atmosphere and story. Performers use their bodies and voices to create characters, environments, and sound design. Their distinctly minimalist aesthetic has been recognized by many publications, among them The New York Times ("[for those] who enjoy something experimentally interesting...an intriguing production"); Time Out ("Four Stars-Critic's Pick"); The Village Voice ("should not be missed") NYTheatre.com ("Spectacular"); Broadway World ("a grand and spine-tingling production"); and Talkin' Broadway ("a fully conceived and flawlessly executed piece of theatre") In addition, the company has received two New York Innovative Theatre Awards, and seven nominations.

DOCTOR FRANKENSTEIN'S MAGICAL CREATURE, by Stanton Wood, directed by Edward Elefterion, featuring Arthur Aulisi, Emily Hartford, Elyse Knight, Jocelyn O'Neil, Nikki Dillon, Rachel Pearl. March 17th-April 2nd; Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm at the Old First Reformed Church, 729 Carroll Street at 7th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn. Transportation: B,Q to 7th Ave, 2,3,4 to Grand Army Plaza, D,N,R to Union St. To purchase tickets, visit www.rabbitholeensemble.com

* New York Innovative Theatre Award