Dorothy Louise’s Frankenstein, a 2004 adaptation of Mary Shelley’s famous horror story, is coming to the Whittier College stage just in time for Halloween.
The dark tale is interested in more than the monstrosity of what Dr. Victor Frankenstein has unleashed on the world. It explores, too, how a good man can become a monster.
As the play unfolds, the audience watches Frankenstein devolve from an optimistic, idyllic young prodigy into a deeply defeated man. Bringing the performance to life is Garrett Spejcher ’19, a theatre and history double major.
“It’s a challenge,” Spejcher said, “because I have to show how a good man can be turned into a monster by his own demons—both metaphorical and literal. But as an actor, all you can ask for is to be given that chance to really push yourself as a performer.”
The production is directed by Jennifer Holmes, professor of theatre and communication arts, and features a cast of Whittier students.
Spejcher has had a passion for acting ever since he was a child. In sixth grade, he joined his middle school drama club in an attempt to convince his parents to stop making him play sports. Something clicked, and shortly thereafter, he performed in his first play.
“Performing was the first thing I ever really loved doing. I felt like I found my calling,” he said. “I realized this is what I want to do.”
Spejcher continued acting through high school and got involved in local productions. Naturally, he would continue his thespian activities at Whittier, where he has been involved in the theatre department since his first year.
Spejcher admits that he cried tears of joy when he found that he would have the opportunity to portray Victor Frankenstein. Since he was a little boy, Spejcher has been enthralled by the mad scientist archetype, and the story of Frankenstein is one of his all-time favorites.
“When I was a kid, my favorite movie was Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein, and I loved to watch the Frankenstein episode of Scooby Doo,” he said. As he got older, he developed an affinity for classic horror films, and his interest in the mad scientist character only grew. “The idea of the anti-hero, who tries so hard to do something right for the good of humanity, but his good intentions are his greatest downfall . . . that’s what draws me to Victor.”
Louise’s adaptation puts a new spin on the classic tale by focusing not only on the classic story—but the woman behind it, too. In this play, Shelley narrates the creation of the timeless tale as the audience watches it unfold. In this adaptation, Victor Frankenstein is torn between the real world, as Shelley is writing the book of Frankenstein, and the imaginary world inside the book.
“This isn’t just the Hollywood version of Frankenstein that you think you know. It is Mary Shelley’s intention. It is what Frankenstein was meant to be,” Spejcher said.
With Halloween around the corner, the play promises to deliver a story that is not only scary, but thought provoking and moving, as well.
Frankenstein runs Oct. 25-26 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. in the Robinson Theatre of the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts. For ticket and additional information, visit The Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts website or call 562.907.4203.
Written by Ariel Horton '21
