Rachel McClurg
Managing Editor
Frankenstein, a violent musical with an ironic lesson on love, takes the stage for fall 2017.
“It [Frankenstein] was done off Broadway in 2008 and it’s very expressionistic, so it’s not necessarily realism, and it’s very close to the book unlike most of the movies that have come out recently,” Director Samuel Sparks said. “It’s a lot of singing, and it’s a thriller.”
The musical stars Caden Middlebrooks as Frankenstein. Performing in a college level musical while also doing well in other aspects of their daily life can be difficult, according to the actors.
“Keeping grades up and maintaining a social life are the struggles that I deal with,” Middlebrooks said. “Every moment of free time I have, I’m probably either reading the script or listening to the music for the production. It can be a little overwhelming sometimes, but as long as I keep prioritizing myself, I’ll be fine.”
Working as a stage manager is a job that to those who do not know, involves a lot of time much like the rest of the cast. Almost all of what goes on behind the scenes is overseen by the stage manager.
“My main responsibilities are making sure everyone knows what’s going on at all times,” Stage Manager Allison Pieschl said. “Whether that’s actors, the directors or the choreographer. I have to know everything that happens on stage during the production and make sure it runs smoothly when we begin teching and performing. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so very exciting and rewarding.”
Despite the difficulties that those working on the musical face, most of them agree that it all pays off at the end.
“My favorite part of being in a musical is probably the process of getting close to the cast throughout the the rehearsals,” Middlebrooks said. “Everyone in the cast is so nice, and they feel like family at this point.”
“Frankenstein: A New Musical” is sure to engage the crowd since it is unlike anything the Butler Theatre Department has ever done.
“I did my research and came across it,” Sparks said. “I chose it because of the number of characters, the types of roles that it has, the message of it and it’s something that nobody around here has ever done before so it’s unique to the area.”
The show will open on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Box Office on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
