Theatre presents Frankenstein

  Wednesday, October 19, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

PSU Theatre has a special treat in store for this Halloween season.

The company will present the classic tale of horror and suspense, “Frankenstein,” Oct. 27-30 in the Dotty and Bill Miller Theater in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.

“Pitt State Theatre is pleased to bring this Halloween treat to the stage,” said Director Gil Cooper. “Frankenstein includes an exciting mix of stage combat, special effects, period costuming, a massive transforming set, and challenging moral questions. The play brings Mary Shelley’s novel to life on the stage, allowing us to ask, ‘What is the line between human and monster?’”

The play, by Victor Gialanella, adheres more closely to Shelley’s original novel than most of the motion picture versions, Cooper said.

Set in 1818 Switzerland, “Frankenstein” details the ill-fated experiments of young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to comprehend the secrets of life and death. Purchasing cadavers from two unsavory grave robbers, he gives life to a creature both hideous and touching, and so physically powerful and psychologically wounded that he soon brings death and destruction to all who are near him.

The show features a cast of 12 performers, including PSU stage veterans Austin VanBecelaere as Victor Frankenstein (recently seen as Falstaff in “The Merry Wives of Windsor”), Stephen Reida as the Creature, and Krista Hightower as Elizabeth Lavenza. Also joining the cast is community member Jack Stefanoni as Victor’s 8-year-old brother, William.

Alongside all the actors is veteran design team including Costume Designer Lisa Quinteros, Scenic Designer Linden Little, and Special Effects Make-Up Artist Brandi Graber.

Cooper said the play’s scenic demands, including a massive laboratory; special effects, such as the burning of a cottage; and early 19th century costumes, all created in-house, combine to create a memorable theater experience.

“Frankenstein” runs Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 27-30. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Additional matinee performances are set for 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are $12 for the general public, $7 for persons under 17 or over 64, and free to all PSU students, faculty and staff with a valid PSU photo I.D. Tickets may be purchased through the PSU Ticket Office, 1701 S. Homer, by phone at 620-235-4796, or online at http://www.pittstate.edu/office/tickets. Tickets, if available, may also be purchased at the Miller Theater starting approximately 30 minutes before each performance.

The Bicknell Family Center for the Arts is located at 1711 S. Homer.

For more information on the 2016-17 PSU Theatre season, go to http://www.pittstate.edu/info/psu-theatre/season-brochure.dot