Frankenstein Mesmerizes at the Hylton Performing Arts Center

 October 17, 2010 - By Sheila R. Lamb

Can something be horrific and phenomenal at the same time?  The Prince William Little Theatre’s production of Victor Gialanella’s Frankenstein is just that: a chilling presentation, just in time for Halloween, which captures the audience with its rendition of Mary Shelley’s macabre story. Directed by Don Peterson and produced by Dave Warner, PWLT riveted the audience in the Gregory Family Theater at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

Jay Tilley stars as Victor Frankenstein, the scientist who believes he can create a man using a corpse and volts of electricity.  Tilley opens the performance with a soliloquy, excerpts from Frankenstein’s journal, from the upper balcony of the theatre. This solemn piece sets the tone for the terrible events that are to come.  Tilley depicts Frankenstein’s obsession impeccably as he hides his work from his family and his trusting fiancée Elizabeth, expertly played by Christine Lange. Mike Rudden plays Henry Clerval, Frankenstein’s friend from university, who easily melds into the family dynamic. He earns praise for his natural portrayal of Clerval.

Michael Feidt is stunning in his role of the Creature. He resembles a wild animal as he hides in fright from Frankenstein and Clerval, then strikes out when they come too close.  Feidt adeptly shows the Creature’s humanity and eagerness to learn in his scenes with DeLacey (Dell Pendergrast). The audience feels compassion as the Creature struggles with his new life, and not understanding his own strength.

Perhaps one of the most mesmerizing scenes is between the Creature and young William (Nathan Yannarell).  Tension fills the stage as the Creature’s actions shift between disturbing and tender, as he helps the boy search for his missing dog. William touches the Creature’s face and states “Your face, it’s ugly,” and shows his open trust by saying “I like you.”  Feidt’s split between innocence and realization is palpable as the Creature attempts to comprehend the word “dead.”  His performance is heartrending. Feidt entices the audience to sympathize his obvious torment while knowing the Creature’s actions are reprehensible.

Expertly designed set, lighting, sound and other special effects complete the spellbinding performance in the Gregory Family Theater. Frankenstein’s laboratory is intricately designed and includes detailed lighting and sound, particularly for scenes with electrical voltage. Set changes are smooth while Mr. Peterson uses the balconies to the plays advantage, directing actors on both levels of the stage. Julie Cameron, makeup design, deserves recognition for her work on the Creature. His scarred head, chest and blackened eyes amplified his believable, terrifying portrayal.

Frankenstein is playing at the Gregory Family Theatre at the Hylton Performing Arts Center at the GMU campus in Manassas on October 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 PM (Fridays and Saturdays) and Saturdays and Sundays October 16, 17, 23, 24 at 2 PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students, seniors and groups of 10 or more. Ticket information can be found at http://www.pwlt.org and http://www.hyltoncenter.org/calendar/tickets/58/.

About PWLT

Providing quality local community theatre since 1984, the all-volunteer Prince William Little Theatre is partly funded by grants from the Prince William County Parks Authority, the City of Manassas, and private contributions. PWLT has won fourteen NVTA One Act Festival Awards and four Virginia Theatre Association awards since 1991, and two Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) awards. Contact: Dave Warner, President, PWLT 703-967-0564 or davewarner@gmail.com for more information.

For more info on NoVA Showbiz, or if you'd like us to cover your project - please be sure to email novashowbiz@gmail.com.