Photo Flash: DTC Mounts Dark and Twisted FRANKENSTEIN

2017 Regional Theatre Tony Award Recipient Dallas Theater Center (DTC), in association with the Theatre Division of Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University (SMU), presents Frankenstein at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. Directed by DTC's Associate Artistic Director Joel Ferrell, Frankenstein begins on Feb. 2 and runs through March 4. A Pay-What-You-Can performance will be Sunday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets to Frankenstein are on sale now at www.DallasTheaterCenter.org and by phone at (214) 880-0202.

When Dr. Frankenstein's experiment goes horribly awry, he resolves to destroy the terrifying creature he unleashed upon the world. But can he kill his own creation without becoming a monster himself? Mary Shelley's 200-year-old horror story, widely regarded as the original science fiction novel, continues to challenge the modern imagination. After its sell-out run at London's National Theatre, Nick Dear's electrifying new adaptation, full of shocking twists and turns, is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

"Frankenstein is a story that the whole world continues to explore in wonderful new ways," said Ferrell. "All people wonder what it is to be human, what it means when our creations get out of our control, and ultimately, if we can 'cheat' death. Mary Shelleywas just 18, estranged from her father, in love with a married poet, and wrestling with dark but thrilling existential questions when, challenged by friends to write a frightening story, she penned the ultimate science fiction thriller, Frankenstein. Nick Dear's adaptation takes the novel and flips it on its head. We are all the Frankenstein Creature; baffled by mortality and being, confused by our destiny, and longing for a place in the world where we feel safe, not savage. I am thrilled to bring Frankenstein to the stage in close collaboration with our friends at SMU, and both horrify and entertain the audience throughout the journey."

"The Meadows School's Theatre Division has a longstanding relationship with the Dallas Theater Center, and this co-production strengthens and extends a partnership that includes last season's Public Works Dallas production of The Tempest," said Samuel Holland, dean of the Meadows School. "We have had alumni, students and faculty serve as actors, designers, coaches and consultants with DTC for years, and DTC has also offered a regular two-year appointment for a new Meadows M.F.A. graduate with its Brierley Resident Acting Company. As our first full collaboration, Frankenstein will provide opportunities for current students to gain outstanding experience with a Tony-winning regional theatre while developing critical thinking and technique in the service of Nick Dear's compelling adaptation."

Starring as Victor Frankenstein is Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company member Alex Organ (Miller, Mississippi, Inherit the Wind, Public Works Dallas' The Tempest) alongside fellow Brierley Resident Acting Company member and SMU faculty member Kieran Connolly (Inherit the Wind, All the Way, The School for Wives) as Monsieur Frankenstein. Jolly Abraham will play Elizabeth Lavenza, joined by SMU faculty member Blake Hackler as De Lacey/Ewan. Kim Fischer stars as The Creature, with credits including the off-Broadway productions of Fuerza Bruta and Then She Fell.

SMU students in the cast include Aaron Campbell as Klaus/Understudy Monsieur Frankenstein, Chris Sanders as Gretel/Clarice, Richard Johnson as Felix/Constable/Understudy The Creature, Tia Laulusa (Inherit the Wind) as Agatha/Female Creature, Neil Redfield as Rab/Understudy Victor, Molly Searcy as Ensemble/Understudy Elizabeth and Galen Sho Sato as Gustav/Understudy De Lacey. SMU ensemble members include Jeliannys Acevedo Cuadrado, Sydney Lo, Deanna Ottand Dakota Ratliff. Child actor Donovan Covarrubias (A Christmas Carol 2017) will play the role of William.

Under Ferrell's direction, Frankenstein will take place in the Kalita Humphreys Theater with set design by SMU graduate student Amelia Bransky. Fellow designers include costume design by Beth Goldenberg (The Christians); sound design and original music by Ryan Rumery (Constellations, Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure, The Who's Tommy); lighting design by Tyler Micoleau (The Who's Tommy, A Midsummer Night's Dream); wig design by Leah Loukas (Miller, Mississippi, Gloria); projection design by David Bengali and projection programming by Ido Levran.

DTC's Come Early will take place one hour before every performance and DTC's Stay Late presented by Wells Fargo will take place after each performance.

Photo Credit: Karen Almond

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