'Frankenstein' fun night of theater

"FRANKENSTEIN: RADIO HOUR," Plan-B Theatre Company, Rose Wagner Center, through Nov. 2, sold out (801-355-2787); running time 60 minutes, no intermission

The challenge in watching "Radio Hour: Frankenstein," is that you must almost retrain your brain. Plan-B Theatre Company's production, which opened Friday, is an adaptation of the classic Mary Shelley novel, a 200-plus page book condensed to an hour, by resident playwright Matthew Ivan Bennett.

But I found my brain isn't used to watching one thing while hearing another. Typically, the action matches what you're hearing. Not so with "Frankenstein," which is done in the style of old-fashioned radio storytelling.

For me, and I noticed a few others in the house joining me, I processed the story better when I closed my eyes, allowing my brain to do its part filling in the blanks — creating ships, townspeople and a large creation of a man with a booming voice and a wonderful command of the English language. Not at all the green blockhead creature with screws sticking out of his neck, and outstretched arms.

The four actors sat positioned in front of microphones, wearing black shirts and blue jeans, scripts in hand. Behind them were two foleys — the folks in charge of the sound effects designed by Cory Thorell — busily working to create the right atmosphere. Jennifer Zornow's lighting had the whole production dimly lit, adding another eerie quality.

Though only an hour, "Frankenstein" is a wordy script but clips along quickly, and the cast delivers it beautifully.

Doug Fabrizio, in the role of Dr. Frankenstein, was the only actor who, aside from a few lines, played only one role, and he did a great job as the tormented and doubt-filled doctor.

Tobin Atkinson handled six different characters with distinct voices, accents and a believable monster voice — not to mention it's fun watching his face as his switches characters.

Teresa Sanderson's task was equally difficult as her characters varied from a young woman to old lady to a little boy, each as believable as the next. And Jay Perry also handled his seven characters with ease.

The cast was outstanding, as were the sound effects and music added by David Evanoff. "Frankenstein" is a fun night of theater for the Halloween season.

Although this production is sold out, all is not lost. Perhaps the best way to experience "Frankenstein" is the way is was meant to be heard — on the radio. KUER 90.1 FM will broadcast the production twice on Halloween, at 11 a.m. and again at 7 p.m. Pop some popcorn and gather around the radio, just like the old days, close your eyes and let your brain help you escape to a different world.

---

E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com