This ‘Frankenstein’ Is So Bad That It’s Scary

Brian Newell and Martin E. Williams’ adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic “Frankenstein,” they claim, is not based on the novel or the James Whale film. They call it “The Diaries of Frankenstein,” and say it’s based on a recent translation of the actual diaries of the mad Dr. Victor Frankenstein.

That sounds like the lead-in to a campy sendup of the story, which might be very funny. But at the Chance Theater, they’re very serious about the whole thing, and that’s the biggest laugh of all.

Even as a straight adaptation, it’s a mess. Most of the spoken dialogue is the voice of Victor Frankenstein, reading what he has written in his diary, while actors lurch about the stage illustrating what he is saying. Even when the actors on stage speak, some of them forget there is no boom mike around and are practically inaudible.

Jim Book, whose set and sound designs are very good, directs with a woodenness that is stultifying, with long pauses between the very short scenes; the pauses are longer than the scenes themselves.

Derek Crabbe plays Frankenstein on one note, emotionally and vocally, almost as though he were The Creature himself. As a matter of fact, Steven Schrock, who plays The Creature, gives his reading much more variety and color; his every syllable can be heard, and his gradual change to fairly intelligent humanity is smoothly accomplished. Perhaps Crabbe and Schrock should change roles.

Valerie Law as the nurse who brings the doctor back to health after The Creature escapes, and Erika Ceporius as the poor blind girl who befriends The Creature, are each quite good giving standard readings of the roles, and Robert G. Davis as the deformed Igor lurches and scowls about in fine form.

Kent Johnson plays Frankenstein’s uppity father without much color or shading, and Roger Freeman as Constable Peter Mueler seems unaware of the meaning of his lines and might be under the impression he’s actually in another play.

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“The Diaries of Frankenstein,” Chance Theater, 5576 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 6 p.m. Ends Nov. 14. $15. (714) 777-3033. Running time: 2 hours.

Derek Crabbe: Victor Frankenstein

Steven Schrock: The Creature

Valerie Law: Elizabeth

Erika Ceporius: Melissa

Robert G. Davis: Igor

Kent Johnson: Alphonse Frankenstein

Roger Freeman: Peter Mueler

A Spare Change Productions staging of a new adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel, by Brian Newell and Martin E. Williams. Directed by/scenic/lighting design: Jim Book. Sound design: Brian Newell. Costume design: Erika Ceporius. Makeup design: Stephen C. John. Fight director: Hai Doan.

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Diamond in the Rough

* “To Be AND Not to Be and Other Contradictions” at the Chance Theater offers an excellent play. Well, one out of five isn’t bad. B14