Johnny Lee Miller, the star of ABC Television's new hit series Elementary, stars in Mary Shelley's classic tale Frankenstein at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. This captured-live in high-definition stage play was filmed during live performances at London's National Theatre during the production's award-winning 2011 run. It was directed by Academy Award-winning Director Danny Boyle.
Best Director Oscar winner for Slumdog Millionaire, Boyle returned to London's National Theatre to direct this visionary production of a new play by Nick Dear based on Shelley's novel. Captured live in high definition over the course of two performances, this ingenious production earned its stars, Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch, a pair of Olivier Awards for Best Actor for their alternating performances as Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. (The Opera House production will feature Cumberbatch as Victor Frankenstein and Miller as the Creature.)
Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein's bewildered monster is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.
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Johnny Lee Miller and Benedict Cumberbatch star in this captured-live stage production of the London’s National Theatre’s Frankenstein. Directed by Academy Award winner Danny Boyle, it will be screened in high definition at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m.
Told from the Creature's point of view, the production marks Boyle's return to the stage after a 15-year absence in which he made films (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire). And even though Boyle keeps the drama set in the early 19th century, it clearly has 21st century resonance, as society is still troubled by people who differ from what we perceive to be the norm both politically and cosmetically.
Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale.
Tickets to Frankenstein are $15 ($10 Students) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org. Due to its mature nature, this production is not recommended for children.
This program is made possible by Dr. James M. and Marcia Merrins, who funded the purchase of the satellite transmission and projection equipment used in the screening. Support also comes from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.
