The Frankenstein Project at Theater for the New City

MARY SHELLEY’S TIMELESS NOVEL about the creation of a Monster who is abandoned – is brought to the stage by Emmy Award-winning writer (Sesame Street) and La MaMa ETC Series Director (Poetry Electric) William Electric Black aka Ian Ellis James. Using 13 original songs and dynamic physical theater staging a la Andrei Serban and The Open Theatre, W. Electric Black brings Shelley’s horrifying ghost story back to life. Musical Director, William Wagner who made a masterful arrangement of Mr. Black’s Romeo & Juliet: Tribal Rock Musical, teams up with William Electric Black once again to heighten the actual story with Into The Woods-like narration, at times, by Mary Shelley and a unique, Jim Henson-like Imagineering by a 12-member ensemble. 

The production is enhanced by daring and brave choreography by Lauren Barette, Gianna Bartolini, and company dance captain Amanda Vasquez. Through William Electric Black’s La MaMa rooted experimental vision, the musical numbers feature cast members transforming into dogs pulling a sledge, horses galloping to and from Ingolstadt, Germany, dancing grave diggers, and crawling demonic bridesmaids when the Monster’s Bride comes to life. William Electric Black and his amazing design team from his GUNPLAYS Series (recently published by Applause Books), bring a Jim Henson-like Imagineering to the show with Lighting and Sound by Alexander Bartenieff, Costumes by Desiree Conston, Props by Susan Hemley, Make-up by Marissa Johnson & Morgan Cunning, Graphics by Erikka James & Josh Wehle,  Tech Direction by Mark Marcante, Stage Manager Dhruv, Barot, and Board Op Megan Horan. ACTORS: Alberto Santiago - Aleesia Hernandez - Alina Garcia - Annabelle Skala - Indigo Phillips – Julianne Darden - Juliette Kulikovs - Kamryn Sarratt - Mario Greiner -Megan Walker - Romy Turner - Amanda Vazquez (Dance Captain)  MUSICIANS:  William Wagner, Dean Scarlett, Matthias Meyer