Little Theatre brings Frankenstein to Life
The Butler Little Theatre's Youth Program tackles a monster of a show this summer.
"Frankenstein" hits the boards under the direction of Casey Lazor. The young cast is rehearsing to bring to life the tale of the monster of inventor Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Lazor is a theater major at the University of Pittsburgh and last appeared on stage as Cecily in "The Importance of Being Earnest."
"The most challenging aspect about this production is breaking through the boundaries we've set for ourselves," she said. "However, as we continue rehearsing, we've realized that our capabilities were far beyond what we originally expected," she added.
Based on Mary Shelley's book "Frankenstein," set in 18th century Europe, the play depicts the experiments of Frankenstein with creating a pieced-together monster known as Creature.
Lazor believes she's fortunate with the talented cast.
"They've shown me that their age holds no bearing on their talent. I'm so proud and humbled by them every day I have the pleasure of watching them," she said.
Playing the Creature is Quentin Panger of Saxonburg, a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh who is majoring in math with a minor in philosophy.
"The Creature begins his life as an innocent, childlike boy confused by the world around him, relying solely on instinct and wonder. He then transitions into a product of his Victorian society while maintaining innocence and wonder to know more," said Panger of his character.
Panger, who is by nature an optimist, is challenged by the mood of the character.
"Forcing myself into gloom, enveloping myself in bad luck, and playing myself as unwanted are quite difficult for the optimist I am," he said.
Frankenstein will be played by Chuck LeGros of Sarver.
"He is the greatest scientist in the world. This is both his tragedy and his gift," he explained.
Not an easy role to play, LeGros had to find an angle.
"Victor is as controlled as he is insane. Initially, I tried looking at him like an addict; however it quickly became clear that he transcended any diagnosis. This ended up being the greatest challenge, discovering his deepest obsessions and their manifestations as he evolved through the story," he said. LeGros said exploring the emotions of the character is one of the most complex ideas he has considered.
Also appearing is Megan Flannery of Jefferson Township as Elizabeth, Frankenstein's sister and bride. She was drawn to the role and specifically auditioned for the part.
"Elizabeth is very intelligent and she's this calming force that kind of brings a balance to some of the other characters. I feel she really brings out the best in everyone and would do anything for her family," she explained, noting that her character is essentially the perfect woman.
Finding the balance of what was socially acceptable for a woman of that era has been a bit of a stretch for Flannery.
"It's been hard to imagine a time when women weren't given the same opportunities we are now. I feel that plays a large role in Elizabeth's character because she portrays the role women were supposed to at that time, yet she's as intelligent as any man of that time," she said.
<B>WHAT:</B> Butler Little Theatre's Summer Youth Program production of "Frankenstein" by Victor Gialanella<B>WHEN: </B>7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday July 22 to 25<B>WHERE:</B> Butler Little Theatre, One Howard Street<B>TICKETS:</B> $10. Available now at May's Music Shoppe, 247 E Jefferson St.<B>WEB: </B>www.bltgroup.org
