Doctor Frankenstein
by George Allison
What if Mary Shelley got it wrong... on purpose? His life’s work laid to waste by Mary Shelley’s vindictive novel, Dr. Victor Frankenstein summons an audience of ghosts to an operating theatre to present his side of the story in a bid to salvage his name and reputation. This new riff on the classic Frankenstein story is not an adaption. It's a new perspective, told by the real Dr. Frankenstein, whose career, life and legacy were destroyed by Mary Shelley's "tall tale." Her story has lived on, been spun into plays, movies, musicals - while his name has been smeared with the label of madness. Tonight, he plans to set the record straight! |
Presented November 8-23, 2019
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CREATIVE TEAM
Producer - Articulate Theatre Company
Director - Cat Parker Playwright/Set Design - George Allison Managing Director - Brittney Venable Associate Producer - Tekla Gaughan Co-Producer - Judith Manocherian Lighting Designer - Dennis Parichy Sound Designer - Morry Campbell Projections/Video Designer - Eric Siegel Costume Designer - Jim Buff |
Publicity - Jay Michaels Arts & Entertainment
Stage Manager - Sabrina Morabito Props Manager - Diana Sadova Costume Manager - Anna Rumberg Fight Choreographer - Michael Hagins Casting Consultant - Helene Galek Casting Assistant Director - Sarah Marksteiner Board Operator - Alina Jacobs Spot Operator - Brenden Silverman |
George Allison (Playwright)
George has been telling stories through physical means for over 20 years, as a production designer for television, film and theatre. On a trip home from China after designing a studio for Bloomberg, he found himself pondering the legacy of "Frankenstein" and how such a story as Mary Shelley's 'fiction' would impact the reputation of a doctor in today's world. Researching the story further brought George closer to the 'real' Dr. Frankenstein, his mentor Dr. James Lind, and the rough and exciting world of 18th century medicine. The story of Victor Frankenstein, and the loss of his name, reputation and legacy grew out of this research and the heightened importance of name and reputation in today's society. George is a founding member of Articulate, and his full bio can be found HERE.
George has been telling stories through physical means for over 20 years, as a production designer for television, film and theatre. On a trip home from China after designing a studio for Bloomberg, he found himself pondering the legacy of "Frankenstein" and how such a story as Mary Shelley's 'fiction' would impact the reputation of a doctor in today's world. Researching the story further brought George closer to the 'real' Dr. Frankenstein, his mentor Dr. James Lind, and the rough and exciting world of 18th century medicine. The story of Victor Frankenstein, and the loss of his name, reputation and legacy grew out of this research and the heightened importance of name and reputation in today's society. George is a founding member of Articulate, and his full bio can be found HERE.
Jim Buff (Costume Designer)
A native of Virginia Beach, Va., Jim Buff moved around with his military family until he finished high school. The Theatrical Arts is where his passion lay, so he landed his BFA from UNC-Charlotte in design. Jim quickly moved to teach make-up, costume history, and drawing at Rutgers University-Mason Gross School of the Arts. Restless for NYC he quickly moved and obtained his MFA at NYU - Tisch School of the Arts in 1984. Upon graduation, Jim was walked into the United Scenic Artist union local 829. Since 1984 Jim has designed over 400 productions on and off Broadway including: Night of the Iguana (Broadway), Africanis Instructus (NYC and European tour) by Richard Foreman, and Ken Hill's Phantom of the Opera (San Francisco) to name a few. Jim's work has been seen at The Mark Taper Forum, the Guthrie, Rep Theater of St. Louis, GEVA Theater, and Baltimore's Center Stage. He has created make-up for Brad Pitt and Katherine Keener in "Johnny Suede," Howard Stern for The Howard Stern Show, and the Sally Jessie Raphael Show. After extensive work in television commercials for Nabisco, Barney's NY, Burger King, Great Adventure, Resorts Casino Hotel, AC, NJ, Sands Hotel and Casino-Puerto Rico, Verscace-South Beach, and Costa Cruise Lines, Jim moved to south Florida where he opened his restaurant MADAME'S in 2002-2007. He is proud to be working at the Wick Theater in Boca Raton, Florida for the 7th season. Being in south Florida has brought Jim much joy and a successful one-man performance cabaret - Electra Living the Legends. His life's achievements are a 15 year long relationship with his late husband, Terry M. Cain. He now shares his love and life with his British born husband, Jon-James Beckett.
A native of Virginia Beach, Va., Jim Buff moved around with his military family until he finished high school. The Theatrical Arts is where his passion lay, so he landed his BFA from UNC-Charlotte in design. Jim quickly moved to teach make-up, costume history, and drawing at Rutgers University-Mason Gross School of the Arts. Restless for NYC he quickly moved and obtained his MFA at NYU - Tisch School of the Arts in 1984. Upon graduation, Jim was walked into the United Scenic Artist union local 829. Since 1984 Jim has designed over 400 productions on and off Broadway including: Night of the Iguana (Broadway), Africanis Instructus (NYC and European tour) by Richard Foreman, and Ken Hill's Phantom of the Opera (San Francisco) to name a few. Jim's work has been seen at The Mark Taper Forum, the Guthrie, Rep Theater of St. Louis, GEVA Theater, and Baltimore's Center Stage. He has created make-up for Brad Pitt and Katherine Keener in "Johnny Suede," Howard Stern for The Howard Stern Show, and the Sally Jessie Raphael Show. After extensive work in television commercials for Nabisco, Barney's NY, Burger King, Great Adventure, Resorts Casino Hotel, AC, NJ, Sands Hotel and Casino-Puerto Rico, Verscace-South Beach, and Costa Cruise Lines, Jim moved to south Florida where he opened his restaurant MADAME'S in 2002-2007. He is proud to be working at the Wick Theater in Boca Raton, Florida for the 7th season. Being in south Florida has brought Jim much joy and a successful one-man performance cabaret - Electra Living the Legends. His life's achievements are a 15 year long relationship with his late husband, Terry M. Cain. He now shares his love and life with his British born husband, Jon-James Beckett.
Morry Campbell (Sound Designer)
For Articulate, Morry has designed for Listen! The River and On This Mountain. He also collaborated with Articulate AD Cat Parker on Mr. Toole. As resident Sound Designer for the TOSOS Theatre Company, he has designed sound and/or composed original music for Damaged Goods, The Mermaid, Christmas Moon, and Byron Loyd’s Rebel Boy Fireworks, among others. He has also written original music for lyrics found in Tom Eyen’s Sarah B. Divine, and Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale, Twelfth Night, and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Morry is a member of Articulate, and his full bio can be found HERE.
For Articulate, Morry has designed for Listen! The River and On This Mountain. He also collaborated with Articulate AD Cat Parker on Mr. Toole. As resident Sound Designer for the TOSOS Theatre Company, he has designed sound and/or composed original music for Damaged Goods, The Mermaid, Christmas Moon, and Byron Loyd’s Rebel Boy Fireworks, among others. He has also written original music for lyrics found in Tom Eyen’s Sarah B. Divine, and Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale, Twelfth Night, and Midsummer Night’s Dream. Morry is a member of Articulate, and his full bio can be found HERE.
Helene Galek (Casting Director)
Helene recently cast Dangerous to Dance With for the Dream Up Festival, the 2nd episode of Background, Action! and The Giant Hoax - an upcoming musical for IndieWorks Theatre Co. As an actor, Helene can be seen in the pilot of the new digital series, Adulting With Jane. Thanks Cat!
Helene recently cast Dangerous to Dance With for the Dream Up Festival, the 2nd episode of Background, Action! and The Giant Hoax - an upcoming musical for IndieWorks Theatre Co. As an actor, Helene can be seen in the pilot of the new digital series, Adulting With Jane. Thanks Cat!
Tekla Gaughan (Associate Producer)
Tekla Gaughan is a director and producer in New York City. Most recently, she directed Perversity for Articulate Theatre Company. She is especially fond of her stage adaptation of Abortive, a script written by Caryl Churchill originally written as a radio show for NPR in 1971.During the day, Tekla is an administrative and marketing assistant for the group sales agency BroadwayGPS. She is thankful for the ability to speak her mind, her partner and their family. www.teklagaughan.com
Tekla Gaughan is a director and producer in New York City. Most recently, she directed Perversity for Articulate Theatre Company. She is especially fond of her stage adaptation of Abortive, a script written by Caryl Churchill originally written as a radio show for NPR in 1971.During the day, Tekla is an administrative and marketing assistant for the group sales agency BroadwayGPS. She is thankful for the ability to speak her mind, her partner and their family. www.teklagaughan.com
Michael Hagins (Fight Director)
Michael Hagins has done every Shakespeare play in the Canon as an actor, director or fight director, and is also an award-winning playwright. Michael has worked with Cat Parker as a fight director on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. He recently has worked on the Fools & Kings Project's Richard III, and with Articulate member Katrin Hilbe with Duck. He has won Outstanding Choreography for his work The Quest of the Hero, and been nominated for 7 different shows for Best Fight Choreography. Thank you to Cat for her amazing work and collaboration, and you for reading this and supporting the independent theatre scene!
Michael Hagins has done every Shakespeare play in the Canon as an actor, director or fight director, and is also an award-winning playwright. Michael has worked with Cat Parker as a fight director on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. He recently has worked on the Fools & Kings Project's Richard III, and with Articulate member Katrin Hilbe with Duck. He has won Outstanding Choreography for his work The Quest of the Hero, and been nominated for 7 different shows for Best Fight Choreography. Thank you to Cat for her amazing work and collaboration, and you for reading this and supporting the independent theatre scene!
Alina Jacobs (Q-Lab Operator)
Alina Jacobs is a recent graduate of Hunter College with a BA in theatre. She is an actor, playwright and audio enthusiast and is very excited to be participating in this production of Doctor Frankenstein.
Alina Jacobs is a recent graduate of Hunter College with a BA in theatre. She is an actor, playwright and audio enthusiast and is very excited to be participating in this production of Doctor Frankenstein.
Judith Manocherian (Co-Producer)
Broadway: The Great Society, The Prom (Drama Desk), The Lifespan Of A Fact and Once On This Island (Tony). Off-Broadway: Fern Hill, Smart Blonde, Smokey Joe's Cafe, RRRED and Goldstein. The Giant Hoax. Thank you to my husband, John.
Broadway: The Great Society, The Prom (Drama Desk), The Lifespan Of A Fact and Once On This Island (Tony). Off-Broadway: Fern Hill, Smart Blonde, Smokey Joe's Cafe, RRRED and Goldstein. The Giant Hoax. Thank you to my husband, John.
Jay Michaels/Jay Michaels Arts & Entertainment (Publicity)
Jay Michaels took the knowledge he acquired as a stage/film producer, casting director, Broadway/National Tour manager, media-buyer, speech writer/coach, and television production manager and founded the boutique marketing & promotion consultation firm that now bears his name. Jay Michaels Arts & Entertainment creates visibility for stage artists and production companies on the east & west coasts. JMAE Communications includes podcasts, video commercials, online text interviews, articles and reviews, and event production. www.jaymichaelsarts.com
Jay Michaels took the knowledge he acquired as a stage/film producer, casting director, Broadway/National Tour manager, media-buyer, speech writer/coach, and television production manager and founded the boutique marketing & promotion consultation firm that now bears his name. Jay Michaels Arts & Entertainment creates visibility for stage artists and production companies on the east & west coasts. JMAE Communications includes podcasts, video commercials, online text interviews, articles and reviews, and event production. www.jaymichaelsarts.com
Sabrina Morabito (Stage Manager)
Sabrina most recently was AD for Joan Kane’s solo show Almost 13 (United Solo Festival) and Triggered, part of Articulate’s The Art of Protest production. Sabrina has been Resident Stage Manager/Production Coordinator for Pan Asian Rep since 2016. Thank you Cat Parker and all the designers, cast and crew.
Sabrina most recently was AD for Joan Kane’s solo show Almost 13 (United Solo Festival) and Triggered, part of Articulate’s The Art of Protest production. Sabrina has been Resident Stage Manager/Production Coordinator for Pan Asian Rep since 2016. Thank you Cat Parker and all the designers, cast and crew.
Cat Parker (Producer/Director)
Cat Parker is the artistic director of Articulate Theatre Company, an ensemble driven organization based in NYC. She began producing in NYC as the Producing Director for T. Schreiber Studios, and continues to produce and direct within the Indie Theatre community. Cat is part of the NYIT Honorary Awards Committee, a CTI 14-Week graduate, a member of the Indie Theatre Hall of Fame and a Planet Connections “Outstanding Director” Award Winner. Cat is is a founding member of Articulate, and her full bio can be found HERE.
Cat Parker is the artistic director of Articulate Theatre Company, an ensemble driven organization based in NYC. She began producing in NYC as the Producing Director for T. Schreiber Studios, and continues to produce and direct within the Indie Theatre community. Cat is part of the NYIT Honorary Awards Committee, a CTI 14-Week graduate, a member of the Indie Theatre Hall of Fame and a Planet Connections “Outstanding Director” Award Winner. Cat is is a founding member of Articulate, and her full bio can be found HERE.
Dennis Parichy (Lighting Designer)
Dennis Parichy has been lighting shows professionally since 1964, on Broadway, off- and off-off Broadway and throughout the United States. His Broadway credits include Lanford Wilson’s Talley’s Folly and Burn This, Crimes of the Heart, and David Mamet’s The Water Engine. He was the Resident Lighting Designer for Circle Repertory Co. from 1974 to 1995 and designed over thirty productions for The Manhattan Theatre Club. He regularly designs for regional theatres throughout the United States and is an Associate Artist at Peoples Light & Theatre Company. He has received an OBIE, a Drama Desk Award, three Tony nominations and three L.A. DramaLogue Awards. He teaches lighting design at Purchase College and is the author of "Illuminating the Play, the Art of Lighting Design." Dennis is a founding member of Articulate, and his full bio can be found HERE.
Dennis Parichy has been lighting shows professionally since 1964, on Broadway, off- and off-off Broadway and throughout the United States. His Broadway credits include Lanford Wilson’s Talley’s Folly and Burn This, Crimes of the Heart, and David Mamet’s The Water Engine. He was the Resident Lighting Designer for Circle Repertory Co. from 1974 to 1995 and designed over thirty productions for The Manhattan Theatre Club. He regularly designs for regional theatres throughout the United States and is an Associate Artist at Peoples Light & Theatre Company. He has received an OBIE, a Drama Desk Award, three Tony nominations and three L.A. DramaLogue Awards. He teaches lighting design at Purchase College and is the author of "Illuminating the Play, the Art of Lighting Design." Dennis is a founding member of Articulate, and his full bio can be found HERE.
Diana Sadova (Props Manager)
Diana is a freelance artist, prop stylist, and illustrator, based in New York City. She specializes in collaborations with fine artists working in films, theatre, photography, and art exhibitions. Originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan, Diana came to New York to study art and cinematography. Diana does scenic artwork for events and exhibitions and still illustrates children's books and book catalogues part-time.
Diana is a freelance artist, prop stylist, and illustrator, based in New York City. She specializes in collaborations with fine artists working in films, theatre, photography, and art exhibitions. Originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan, Diana came to New York to study art and cinematography. Diana does scenic artwork for events and exhibitions and still illustrates children's books and book catalogues part-time.
Eric Siegal (Story Idea/Projections)
Eric Siegal is a veteran television/film director, art director, and production designer specializing in an integrated approach to the creative direction and technical execution of programming and entertainment of all kinds. In a career spanning over 30 years he has provided creative and technical leadership to the world’s most prestigious program producers, including the ABC, CBS, PBS, HBO and MSG television networks. He has been the director of, or a contributing director to, the widest possible variety of live television broadcasts – election nights, town hall meetings, political debates and conventions, prime-time news magazines, morning shows, Sunday roundtables, musical performances, parades, evening and late night news, and more special events than he dares try to remember. His work as a director, art director, and production/scenic designer has been recognized with 11 Emmy awards, the Dupont Columbia Award, the Peabody Award, a Christopher Award, the Cine Golden Eagle, and over 25 Broadcast Designers Association awards. Eric is a founding member of Articulate, and his full bio can be found HERE.
Eric Siegal is a veteran television/film director, art director, and production designer specializing in an integrated approach to the creative direction and technical execution of programming and entertainment of all kinds. In a career spanning over 30 years he has provided creative and technical leadership to the world’s most prestigious program producers, including the ABC, CBS, PBS, HBO and MSG television networks. He has been the director of, or a contributing director to, the widest possible variety of live television broadcasts – election nights, town hall meetings, political debates and conventions, prime-time news magazines, morning shows, Sunday roundtables, musical performances, parades, evening and late night news, and more special events than he dares try to remember. His work as a director, art director, and production/scenic designer has been recognized with 11 Emmy awards, the Dupont Columbia Award, the Peabody Award, a Christopher Award, the Cine Golden Eagle, and over 25 Broadcast Designers Association awards. Eric is a founding member of Articulate, and his full bio can be found HERE.
Sarah Marksteiner (Assistant Director)
Sarah Marksteiner is a newly New York-based director, actor, and playwright. She was a cofounder and resident artist of the Class Act Players, DC: Air Mail/Par Avion (deviser), SuperNOVA (Naomi/writer), I Hate Art (writer/director). Her writing is making its NY debut with Breaking and Entering Theatre Collective this winter: Abandon All Hope: Bees.
Sarah Marksteiner is a newly New York-based director, actor, and playwright. She was a cofounder and resident artist of the Class Act Players, DC: Air Mail/Par Avion (deviser), SuperNOVA (Naomi/writer), I Hate Art (writer/director). Her writing is making its NY debut with Breaking and Entering Theatre Collective this winter: Abandon All Hope: Bees.
Brittney Venable (Managing Director)
Brittney Venable is the Managing Director of ATC. She loves bringing new & old works to the stage as well as being on stage herself. most recent past performances include ATC’s The Art of Protest and The Radio Plays. Excited to see what’s next for the Doctor. Much love to P, J&C! Brittney is a founding member of Articulate, and her full bio can be found HERE.
Brittney Venable is the Managing Director of ATC. She loves bringing new & old works to the stage as well as being on stage herself. most recent past performances include ATC’s The Art of Protest and The Radio Plays. Excited to see what’s next for the Doctor. Much love to P, J&C! Brittney is a founding member of Articulate, and her full bio can be found HERE.