Frankenstein
Adapted by Nick Dear from the novel by Mary Shelley
Directed by David M. Jenkins
Oct. 18 – Nov. 12, 2023
Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center
Is it even Halloween if Jobsite doesn’t have something spooktacular on stage? Recent years have seen us run down a list of horror literary masterpieces and literary-adjacent works in Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Dracula, Misery, and Edgar & Emily – and we can’t wait to give Frankenstein our own special spark of life.
Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature (Paul J. Potenza) is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker (Giles Davies). Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal. Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, neglect, cognitive development, and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic of both the sci-fi and gothic genres. Nick Dear’s electrifying adaptation emphasizes intense human emotion and the complexities of human relationships over shock and gore, however audiences should still be advised that aspects of the story remain unsettling over 200 years after publication.
Frankenstein, based on the novel by Mary Shelley, premiered at London’s National Theatre in 2011 starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller. Potenza and Davies were last seen together in Dracula.
There are no lulls in famed screenwriter William Goldman’s 90-minute stage adaptation of the Stephen King story, which Goldman himself translated into the 1990 film … [it moves] faster than snow piling up in a Colorado blizzard.
About the Writers
William Goldman (Playwright, 1931 – 2018) was one of the most influential and successful writers of his generation. Film credits include Masquerade, Harper, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Stepford Wives, All the President’s Men, The Princess Bride (based on his novel of the same name), Last Action Hero, The General’s Daughter, Marathon Man (based on his novel of the same name) and many, many others. He co-wrote two plays with brother James Goldman: Blood, Sweat, and Stanley Poole and A Family Affair. As a novelist, Goldman has penned several American classics including but not limited to Soldier in the Rain (1960), Father’s Day (1971), Magic (1976), The Color of Light (1984) and The Silent Gondoliers (1984). He has also written many articles for acclaimed publications on the topic of screenwriting and several non-fiction books, including The Season: A Candid Look at Broadway (1969) and Adventures in the Screentrade: A Personal View of Hollywood and Screenwriting (1983). Awards include Academy Award, Writers Guild Award and British Academy Award, for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969; Academy Award and Writers Guild Award, for All the President’s Men, 1976. Education: Oberlin College, Ohio, B.A. 1952; Columbia University, New York, M.A. 1956. Media
Auditions and hiring for 23-24
Learn more about job opportunities with Jobsite for our 25th season!
Cast & Crew
Cast & Crew
- David M. Jenkins – Director
Cast
- Giles Davies
- Paul J. Potenza
Patron Reviews
- My jaw was on the floor at so many points throughout the show - absolutely gripping. Summer played the role of Annie Wilkes to perfection - even better if that is possible. I could not pull my eyes from her … the whole layout, was masterful - you really have to accomplish quite a bit in such a tiny space - but that is your mastery at work ... I had to chuckle because the fella sitting next to me kept dropping his program with each shocking scene. – Stephanie Arthur-Tannenbaum, PhD
- Great show last night! The company must be so excited about the level of community support this year, and we’re glad to be part. – Michael Brooks
- Brilliant; adjective 1. shining brightly; sparkling; glittering; lustrous: 2. distinguished; illustrious: 3. having or showing great intelligence, talent, quality, etc. 4.strong and clear in tone; vivid; bright: 5. splendid or magnificent: I can not think of a more perfect word and example of last night’s performance. The onstage chemistry between Summer (Annie) and David (Paul) was palpable They had me, and the rest of the audience, on the edge of our seats from beginning to end. Yes and I do want to apologize for my loudly, audible yelp at one dramatic point in the show. 🤷♀️ I also want to give a shoutout to the light and sound people as well as to the back stage “ninjas”. Your timing was masterly done and in no small part added to the intensity and perfection of the show. Bravo Jobsite! BRAVO! 🎭 -SusanneDockery
- I just saw this and it was phenomenal loved this performance and was on the edge of my seat. – @elyssa_thecreativbespark
- It was fantastic! The actors were brilliant. – Tanya Abresch
- This show is incredible! – Shelley Provost
- Fantastic!!!! Best show I’ve seen in a long time – Eileen Stafford
- Great job! – Sharon Smallheer
- We saw it last night… every moment from the beginning to the end was and edge-of-my-seat thriller … spectacular show with top notch acting. Thoroughly enjoyed the program - bravo! 👏👏👏👏👏 – StephanieArthur-Tannenbaum
- A must see performance! – Daniel Forthuber
- This was excellent! The actress who plays Annie played crazy well! I am so glad I saw this production. – Joshua Jones
- It was AMAZING!! Kudos Jobsite for the incredible talent! – Pamela Surovich
- Fantastic show! The acting was memorable – Leslie Farrell
- Totally incredible show! – Dona Haag
- Awesome show! – Michael Douglas
- INCREDIBLE SHOW! 👏 – @thelittlegoodcyberfriend
- Very impressive cast. Captured the spirit without simply copying the film. – @kiss_j_haards_converse
- A true team effort for this fantastic performance. Kudos to you all! – Isaias Gonzalez
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