From left to right) Corban Allen as Henry and Maya Velazquez as Justine, rehearsing “Frankenstein.” STAFF PHOTO BY AMBER ANGOVE
By Ishana Irungbam
For the North Star Reporter
Today and Saturday, the story of the critically acclaimed and revered “Frankenstein” will be coming to life in the North Attleboro High School theater.
Audiences will have the opportunity to experience two different versions of Mary Shelley’s grotesque tale, as there will be a main cast performance tonight, and an understudy-led version the next day.
Directed by Patricia Bratberg, Jillian Gabriel, and Alexander Hatzberger, this production will be as thrilling as it is intriguing. With a gothic steampunk set, ominous lighting, and haunting sound design, the NAHS theater department has transformed the stage into a reflection of Victor Frankenstein and his man-made creation’s haunting story.
“The students actually brought “Frankenstein” to my attention … It’s supposed to have a more modern vibe to it, and it’s a shorter show than what we’re used to doing. But students wanted to do it since it’s timely and fits well with Halloween,” said Gabriel, the theater director, when asked about the reasoning behind the selection of the play. “The biggest change this year is that we’re now having an understudy performance, which we’ve never done before … Since we want our understudies to commit the role, we decided to have them perform as well. That’s why there’s a Saturday performance.”
The cast, a talented group of high schoolers at NAHS, have done a brilliant job of diving into their roles and representing them in the best way possible.
“Victor is a reserved, sort of ‘mad scientist character,’ and his goal is to bring this creature to life because he’s interested in reanimation and thinks it would be a good idea,” said Elise Brouillard, the actor for Victor in the main cast. “I’m used to playing happy, bubbly characters, and Victor is very cold, and reserved. To get into character as him, I try to change my body language, or maybe bring my voice down, a little bit. Just changing the way I present myself.”
Along with Brouillard, the other students are also excited to bring their characters to life. Since this play allows both the main cast and the understudies to shine, everyone has a deep understanding of their characters.
Leo Pusateri, the main actor for the Creature, said, “My character is Frankenstein’s Creature, who is an amalgamation of all his insecurities. I personally find it easy to get into character since I’m neurodivergent, and the creature is a symbol for neurodivergency, to me.”
In preparation for this event, the two casts have been working hard all month and having countless rehearsals. For the audience, this means two different performances of the same script, which offer unique portrayals and multiple viewing opportunities.
The main cast’s rendition will be taking place at North Attleboro High School’s theater on Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.. The understudy rendition will be the next day, on Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the same location.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, and online, at https://nahstc.ludus.com.
