by Andy Ortiz

St. Joseph’s Five Sisters Theatre Company performed a fantastic opening weekend of their first production of the year, Frankenstein, with three more shows upcoming this weekend. 

The theatre program of St. Joseph’s chose this Halloween classic, a rendition of the novel originally written by Mary Shelley in 1818. This production is directed by Ms. Kateryn McReynolds, an St. Joseph’s alumna.

In the Director’s Note, Ms. McReynolds talks about how she and the cast were wondering just what the creature was, as they posed interesting questions about the main concepts the story brings up.

“Frankenstein asks a central question: Who are we? I watch this story, and I see a humanity that longs to be reclaimed, retaught, redeemed,” wrote Ms. McReynolds.

The production Frankenstein follows a monstrous Creature, played by St. Joseph’s junior Galilea Salas, that is created and abandoned by its maker Dr. Victor Frankenstein, played by St. John Bosco High School senior Gerritt Goodman. The Creature is left to travel the land on its own, wandering and learning about the world.

The way the stage of Frankenstein is set up is noteworthy. The stage itself is mostly empty with props being moved in and out in between scenes. However, what makes the stage the most lively are the backgrounds, which are projected onto the wall behind the action. The weather and moods are portrayed using the stage lights, which is done very well.

The stage is also on the same level of the audience, with the exception of the bleachers in the back, so it feels as if you are right there in the scene with the actors, seeing everything unfold. As a result, there really are no bad views, as everything is right in front of you.

The pacing of the show was also well-executed. This production is split into 24 scenes over two acts. After each scene is a short blackout, which helps distinguish each part of the story and makes the play digestible and easy to understand.

The acting was perhaps what stood out the most, however. Galilea Salas, who played the Creature, was believable and shocking. Her screams and twitchy movements make her seem like a reanimated person. It is also awesome to see how her character matures as the production goes on.

Another impressive performance was of Dr. Victor Frankenstien, played by Gerritt Goodman. Dr. Frankenstein is a very irritable and miserable man, which Gerritt portrayed excellently. Frankenstein is a very unlikeable character, and that is by design. Gerritt nailed the absolute annoyance and anger that this character has with his loud voice and intimidating presence. 

One of the more underappreciated roles is that of Monsieur Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s father, played by Bosco junior Noah Wayner. Monsieur Frankenstein is another intimidating figure with a very imposing presence. Noah does an excellent in portraying him with his successful articulation, as well as his authoritative stance and speech. The only thing wrong with his role is that the character simply doesn’t have enough stage time.

The costume design is simple, yet effective. Many of the men wear fancy suits, while the women wear fancy dresses. Moreover, the sound effects, music and other flourishes of ambience are more than fitting.

St. Joseph’s Five Sisters Theatre Company hopes that everyone can come see the last three performances. There are two performances today, the first 3-5:30pm and the second 7-9:30pm. There is one more on Saturday from 7-9:30pm.