Prime Stage Theatre’s new season of suspense, hope, and wonder opens with a classic tale with a new twist. Written over two centuries ago by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein is considered by many as the first true science fiction novel. The story has since become the inspiration for countless film and stage adaptions.
Audiences will watch 18-year-old Mary Shelley conceive one of the most suspenseful stories ever written as they watch Dr. Frankenstein conceive his creature. Prime Stage’s innovative production of this timeless classic adapted by noted sci-fi author Lawrence C. Connolly takes the Frankenstein creature back to its roots in remarkable ways.
This world premiere production follows the epic chain of events that led to the creation of life and asks, ‘Who really is the monster?’ Frankenstein's monster is one of horror’s most beloved (and feared) creatures. A creature has frightened and fascinated audiences worldwide. Frankenstein still poses a myriad of critical ethical questions over 200 years later.
The story is adapted by Pittsburgh’s own Lawrence C. Connolly, an acclaimed sci-fi/mystery author. This vivid imaginative science fiction story is perfect for Connolly whose stories have appeared in the magazines Amazing Stories and Rod Serling's Twilight Zone, some of which were reprinted in volumes of Year's Best Horror Stories, edited by Karl Edward Wagner.
“Mary Shelley’s novel is about creation and how the fruits of our ambitions can take on lives of their own. Frankenstein is as much the story of a writer who met with unexpected success as it is about a scientist who experiences tragic failure. What sets the two apart is that Mary Shelley stood by her creation while Victor disowned his. The upshot: It’s good to dream big, but we must be willing to own the results of those dreams once they take on lives of their own,” said Lawrence C. Connolly.
Connolly also writes and performs the Mystery Theatre podcasts for Prime Stage Theatre. The new chapter podcasts will be released during the run of Frankenstein. Listeners become part of the story as they follow the clues providing feedback to the author to contribute to the story as it is created.
To enrich the experience for audiences, Ryan O’Shea of Pittsburgh Robotics will present a very special interactive display and post-show audience discussion on “Frankenstein comes alive with Artificial Intelligence” with the performance on Saturday, Nov. 12.
The production is directed by Liam Macik. Liam is a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Mount Lebanon High School. He received his B.A. in Theatre Arts from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. Liam served as the founding artistic director of Throughline Theatre Company for seven years, where his directing credits include productions of Judgement at Nuremberg, Oedipus Rex, and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. In 2005, Liam received the Peterson Award for Emerging Playwrights for his play, Bastards and Fools, and in 2019 Liam wrote and directed a new adaptation of The Scarlet Letter for Prime Stage. Earlier this year, Liam directed Prime Stage’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace. In addition to playwriting and directing, Liam is an established stage actor, most recently appearing as Lenny in Of Mice and Men at Prime Stage, and previously as David Sarnoff in The Farnsworth Invention and Beverly Weston in August: Osage County, both at Throughline Theatre.
For those who know the literature this imaginative production, which is suitable for middle school through adult audiences, will bring to life those memorable moments. For those who know the movie, this production will breathe new life into the creature and Dr. Frankenstein. For those who have never encountered the creature, this production will spark Prime Stage Theatre’s season of suspense, hope and wonder.
November 4 - 13, 2022
Preview- Friday, November 4th
Opening Night- Saturday, November 5th
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm / Sundays at 2:30 pm
Sensory Inclusive performance is on Saturday, Nov 12 at 2:30.
Audio Described and ASL Signed performance is on Sunday, Nov 13 at 2:30 PM
Suitable for ages 13 through adult.
All Prime Stage performances are accessible to everyone. To ensure quality with our Sensory Inclusive performances, Prime Stage Theatre is the region’s only theater company to attain Certified Sensory Inclusive status through KultureCity, a leading nonprofit recognized nationwide for using its resources to affect change for those with sensory needs. The Hazlett Theater, where Prime Stage Theatre presents its production, is ADA accessible.
All Prime Stage Theatre productions take place at the New Hazlett Theater on the Northside.