Blank Canvas Theatre’s ‘Frankenstein – The Musical’ rings true

Photo By Steve Wagner

You really have to hand it to Blank Canvas Theatre. Their production of “Frankenstein-The Musical” is one of their most ambitious projects yet. With a cast of fifteen, a nine piece orchestra, dazzling video projections, fantastic period costuming and operatic style music that features earnest ballads and soaring ensemble numbers performed by extremely skilled singers it is no wonder that the show has been a sellout. The only problem is its short run from October 17th that concludes on Saturday, November 1^st.

The music is composed by Mark Baron with book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson with the original story adaptation by Gary P. Cohen. The show faithfully follows Mary Shelley’s 1818 gothic horror novel to the letter.

From early childhood, scientific child prodigy Victor Frankenstein has had a quest to discover the secret of life. His goal is to create a human of his own design in order to cheat death. Instead, Victor’s creation (dubbed “the creature”) carries all the ruthlessness and killer instincts of the executed convict Frankenstein uses to assemble his “new man”.

While terrifying in appearance, the creature learns to become articulate in speach and cunning by nature. As time goes on and he is abandoned to the world by Frankenstein. The show comes to a climax when Frankenstein creates a woman to serve as the creature’s companion only to kill her at the couple’s first meeting. The creature then plots revenge on his creator by killing those closest to him including Victor’s brother, best friend and wife as well as a blind man who befriended him. With Victor in hot pursuit, the creature travels through the wilderness of Europe, through the Mediterranean and into Russia and eventually towards the frozen wastes of the Arctic Circle.

The production is skillfully directed by Patrick Ciamacco who also designed the lighting, projections and sound as well as the stage and graphics. Anthony Trifiletti is the musical director of the extraordinary orchestra. Katie Wells does a splendid job of costume design with clothing well worthy of the 19^th century time period.

As for the cast, Ian Atwood as the creature is phenomenal. His operatic quality voice brings real life to the songs. Equally well suited is Andy Novak as Victor Frankenstein who is of fine voice as well. Amanda Medley as Victor’s love interest, Elizabeth performs wonderful duets with Victor. The ensemble are well rehearsed and in fine voice.

There is a tendency that musicals written from classic novels seem to fall short in connecting with the audience. This is not the case here. The highly energetic cast throw themselves into the story with gusto sweeping us along on a wild ride. This is how the original story was meant to be portrayed.

The Blank Canvas Theatre production of “Frankenstein – The Musical” will be on stage at 78^th Street Studios located at 1305 West 78^th Street, Suite 211, Cleveland, Ohio through November 1, 2025. For tickets and more information go to http://www.blankcanvastheatre.com/ or call (216) 941-0458.