Noll, Blanchard, Stanek & Bruno Join Foster in Frankenstein

Casting is now complete for Frankenstein, the new musical adapted from Mary Shelley's novel, beginning performances Off-Broadway this fall.  Joining the recently announced Hunter Foster as Victor Frankenstein will be Christiane Noll (Witches of Eastwick, Jekyll & Hyde) as Elizabeth and Steve Blanchard (Beauty and the Beast) as The Creature. The company will also feature Jim Stanek (Jacques Brel…, Lestat, I Love You You're Perfect…) as Henry and Mandy Bruno (Les Miserables, "Guiding Light") as Justine.  The ensemble includes Nick Cartell, Struan Erlenborn, Eric Michael Gillette and Aaron Seretosky. 

Frankenstein features music by Mark Baron, book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson, original story adaptation by Gary P. Cohen and direction by Bill Fennelly.  "Frankenstein is the story of the rebel scientist who challenges the laws of nature and morality when he breathes life into his inanimate creature. Faced with intolerance and adversity, the scientist's creation rebels against the world around him, ultimately destroying the very man who gave him life," declare press notes.

Frankenstein begins performances at 37 Arts (450 West 37th Street) on Wednesday, October 10; opening Thursday, November 1.  Performances are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8PM; Wednesday & Sunday at 3PM; and Saturdays at 2PM. 

Chrisitane Noll (Elizabeth): Broadway credits include It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues, original cast of Jekyll & Hyde, first national tour of Urinetown, Miss Saigon, City of Angels; and the pre-Broadway Mambo Kings. Other: Witches of Eastwick (Signature Theatre, VA), New Moon (Encores!), Mack & Mabel, Baker's Wife, Lizzie Borden (Goodspeed Opera), Call The Children Home (Primary Stages), Kept (Theatreworks/Palo Alto - dir. Scott Swartz), The Student Prince, Carousel (Paper Mill Playhouse), Lincoln Center "American Songbook Series" by Frank Loesser, Little By Little (York Theatre Co.); plus symphony soloist with Marvin Hamlisch, Don Pippin and Peter Nero.  Recordings: "Christiane Noll – A Broadway Love Story, Live At The Westbank" www.christianenoll.com

Steve Blanchard (The Creature) was last seen on Broadway as the final "The Beast" in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, having played the role for more performances than any other actor on Broadway.  Steve has also played the title role in Toronto and Gaston in the Broadway production. Steve originated the title role in the new Off-Broadway musical, Johnny Guitar, which played at the Century Center Theatre spring 2004. Other: The Three Musketeers (Broadway), Hot Mikado (Ford's Theatre), Ken Hill's original Phantom of the Opera, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the national tour of Camelot and A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden.

Jim Stanek (Henry) made his Broadway debut opposite Kathleen Turner, as an understudy in Indiscretions. Broadway: Hero in the revival of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum; The Rivals; Little Women; and Louis in Lestat. Off-Broadway includes: originating roles in Slut, and Captain's Courageous; and roles in Jacques Brel..., and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. Regional: Carnival (Kennedy Center), My Fair Lady (McCarter), The Threepenny Opera (Williamstown), 3hree Musketeers (San Jose) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (La Jolla).

Mandy Bruno (Justine) took over the role of Marina Cooper on "Guiding Light" on May 12, 2004. In 2006, Bruno received her first Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series. Stage credits include Eponine in Broadway's Les Miserables and Belle in Beauty and the Beast at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera House, The Man Who Would Be King, Vanity Fair, Green Gables and Little Shop of Horrors.

Tickets are $69.25 – 41.25.   $20 student rush tickets are available at all performances 20 minutes prior to curtain with valid student ID.  Tickets are now on sale through TicketMaster.com at 212-307-4100.     Visit www.FrankensteinTheMusical.com.

Photo: Jim Stanek & Christiane Noll (2006) by Linda Lenzi