I was interested to read that Hunter Foster will be taking on the role of Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein: the Musical at 37 Arts this Fall. Performances begin October 10, opening November 1. As you may recall, I pointed us to a preview of music from the forthcoming tuner. I have since ordered and been listening to the demo recording. 

As much as I wanted to fall in love with it, well…uhm…yeah, I think it’s just not going to work out between us. I’m still rooting for the show and will continue to track its progress here. I always want a show to be awesome and smart and compelling and surprise me, even if I have my doubts.  

The creators’ notes highlight a desire to stay extremely true to the original story and at the same time to create a musical theatre experience “in which time and space are fluid, and in which people and places come instantly alive in the mind of the story’s protagonist, Victor Frankenstein–and vanish just as quickly.” I still contend that it sounds like a very intriguing piece. 

What I’ve experienced so far listening to the concept CD is a very earnest desire to tell the story, but with lyrics that are on the simple side, and music that is fairly predictable and repetitive. After listening to it for several weeks, I popped Hello Again into the CD player a couple of days ago, and the contrast between its complex, surprising, and thrilling score and the one I had been trying so hard to get comfortable with was stark. 

Foster says that this role is like nothing he has ever done before. “”The story is a significant part of my childhood. I loved the ‘Frankenstein’ movies…I can’t wait to dive into rehearsal.” I can tell you from what I’ve heard that the musical is nothing like the Frankenstein movies. And with another bolt-necked musical extravaganza making its way from Seattle soon, I hope adding Foster’s name to the smaller marquee might help bring some life and attention to its earnest, sincere (if a little simple) cousin. 

Frankenstein performances will play Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM; Wednesday and Sunday at 3 PM; and Saturdays at 2 PM. Tickets are on sale now at TicketMaster.com or at (212) 307-4100. Student rush tickets ($20 each) will be available at all performances 20 minutes prior to curtain with valid student ID. 

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