| Jonathan Christenson - Artistic Director Bretta Gerecke - Resident Designer Eva Cairns - Managing Producer |
8529 Gateway Boulevard Edmonton Alberta T6E 6P3 |
p: 780-431-1750 f: 780-433-3060 e: click here |
from Mary Shelley’s 1813 novel,
Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus
Performance History
2010
- Bluma Appel Theatre, Toronto (presented by the Canadian Stage Company)
2008-2009
- Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse
- Max Bell Theatre, Epcor Centre, Calgary (Co-presented by One Yellow Rabbit & Theatre Calgary, Part of the 23rd annual High Performance Rodeo)
- Persephone Theatre, Saskatoon
2007-2008
- Vancouver East Cultural Centre/PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
- Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre
- Catalyst Theatre, Edmonton
- Eric Harvie Theatre, Banff Centre for the Arts
2006-2007
- Keyano Theatre, Fort McMurray
- Catalyst Theatre, Edmonton
click to see the poster
Winner of 8
Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards (2007)
- Outstanding Production of a Musical
- Outstanding New Play
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
- Outstanding Set Design
- Outstanding Costume Design
- Outstanding Lighting Design
- Outstanding Score of a Play or Musical
- Outstanding Musical Direction
Frankenstein Reviews
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
LIZ NICHOLLS
The Edmonton Journal - 13/03/07
“Catalyst’s marvelous, much-awaited new take on Frankenstein arrives on stage as a startling storybook come to life... it’s a hugely imaginative production... Catalyst’s most dazzling creation yet.”
GILBERT BOUCHARD
See Magazine - 15/03/07
“Catalyst Theatre’s brand new production of Frankenstein is a brilliant achievement from its inspiration on up. Not only is Jonathan Christenson’s latest work a sublime and wildly entertaining evening of Brechtian-inspired theatre as atmospheric as it is intellectually daring, this slick post-modern musical accomplishes the mean feat of giving a stupendously fresh spin to a well-trod, heck, a chestnut of a story.”
COLIN MACLEAN
The Edmonton Sun - 14/03/07
“A monsterpiece … Christenson scores a dazzling trifecta. His book explores the story’s broader themes with stunning theatricality and emotion. His lyrics are simple but faithful to the complexity of the original and his music, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan patter songs to gorgeous modern pop power ballads is accessible, even hummable … the audience was transfixed. A monster hit.”
MARI SASANO
The Edmonton Journal - 23/03/07
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is the must-see of the year. It’s a gorgeous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic by Jonathan Christenson… and like other Catalyst works before it, Frankenstein is a seamless combination of story, song, movement and visual arts that transcends genre.”
Audience Reviews
“The darkly ironic one-liners and classic physical comedy that fill (the first act) are genuinely funny... and the second act, with its many tragic yet beautiful scenes move quickly to a satisfying, if very sad conclusion."
Frankenstein Video
Frankenstein Company Bios
Jim Bob is a freelance Production Manager / Technical Director. A few of his more notable contracts include - Technical Director for the Alberta Centennial Initiative's 2005 Royal Visit, Technical Director for the ceremonies division of the Edmonton 2001 World Championships and Production Manager for the Edmonton Fringe Festival. Prior to starting his freelance activities he worked for companies such as The Stratford Festival; The Banff Centre; The Manitoba Theatre Centre; The Vancouver Playhouse and The Canadian Stage Company. He also teaches a course on Technical Direction at Grant MacEwan College.
After finishing his MFA Theatre Design degree at the University of Alberta, Kerem designed set, costumes and lighting for several companies in and around Edmonton including:Scythe (Dammitdance Theatre), Hansel and Gretel (Opera Nuova), Sound of Music (Keyano Theatre), Faithless (Theatre Network & Azimuth Theatre), Hamlet (Theatre Prospero),Glass Menagerie and Monster (Kill Your Television Theatre), Helen’s Necklace (Shadow Theatre), Thought Crimes (Citadel Theatre),Fat Pig (Northern Light Theatre), The Cube (Mile Zero Dance) and Death and the Maiden(Globe Theatre). Some of his previous work abroad include working as the resident lighting designer of Istanbul International Jazz Festival and designing set and lighting for SEZ(Laboratuar Performance Arts Company - Istanbul), a contemporary dance performance commissioned by World Architecture Congress 2005.
As artistic director of Catalyst Theatre, Jonathan has directed, written, composed and occasionally performed in more than sixteen original productions including such critically acclaimed works as Hunchback, Nevermore, Frankenstein, The Blue Orphan, The House of Pootsie Plunket, Songs for Sinners, The Abundance Trilogy, Carmen Angel and Elephant Wake. His productions have been seen at more than 45 different theatres across England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, the United States and Canada, including such preeminent venues as The Barbican in London, The Traverse in Edinburgh, The Playhouse in Liverpool, The Tron in Glasgow, The New Victory in New York, The Winter Garden & Bluma Appel Theatres in Toronto, Theatre Calgary's Max Bell, The Citadel's Shoctor Theatre in Edmonton and the Vancouver Playhouse. His work has also appeared at such festivals as the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT), Le Carrefour international du théâtre (Quebec City), and PuSh (Vancouver).
Beth recently graduated from the University of Alberta’s BFA in Stage Management program. Previous credits include stage manager forWhat the Butler Saw (Keyano Theatre), ONE(Red To Blue Productions), Double Inconstancy(Studio Theatre), La Perichole (Opera Nuova)Stone and Ashes (Media Room, UofA) and assistant stage manager for The Clink, Ribbon, and As You Like It (Studio Theatre). Recently, Beth produced a site-specific Halloween show called Dead Centre of Town. In early 2007, Beth created, produced and artistic directed an experimental multi-disciplinary, multi-layered arts event, The Revolution, in partial completion of her degree.
This is Nick’s very first show with this fantastic company and he couldn’t be more excited! He was most recently seen this summer in the premier of his new play Gayface at the Edmonton Fringe Festival and Nextfest. Other credits include As You Like It, Scenes From an Execution, and The Myth of Summer (Studio Theatre), Castrated (Expanse Dance Festival), The Orchid Drive (Independent), South Pacific, and Kiss Me Kate (Theatre Under the Stars). Writing credits include Kenny Timeless (808), Sounds of Rain, and The Fabulous Buddha Boi (Loud ‘n Queer). Nick is a recent graduate of the B.F.A. Acting program at the University of Alberta.
Sheena Haug is a freelance theatre artist who loves to play dress up. Recent credits include Costume Design forCommunion and Hard Core Logo Live (Theatre Network); Costume Design for Dry the Rain (Workshop West); Associate Costume Design for Spine (Studio Theatre/RealWheels); Costume Design for The Woman in Black (Theatre Network) and Costume and Lighting Design for Hwy 63: The Fort Mac Show (Azimuth Theatre). Sheena is the Costume Associate forFrankenstein and Nevermore (Catalyst Theatre); she has acted as Wardrobe Assistant for the FreeWill Shakespeare Festival for the past four seasons. She was also head scenic painter for Seedsavers (Workshop West). Sheena holds a BFA in Theatre Design (U of A, '08) and certificates for Costume Cutting and Construction (RDC, 2003, 2004). Whenever she finds herself between shows, Sheena spends many happy hours at the Theatre Garage in Edmonton.
Amy is an Edmonton based scenic artist who often finds herself in the plumbing section of the hardware store mumbling to herself, whilst balancing a basket full of tape and adhesive products. This is her 5th year working with the Catalyst, having builtFrankenstein, Nevermore and now Hunchback along with the rest of the design team. She gives thanks to her mentor Bretta for her never-ending faith in the process, and to her darling Ian for his undying enthusiasm and support.
As a performer, Andrew has worked with companies that include the Citadel, Teatro La Quindicina, The Globe, CanStage, and Buddies In Bad Times. He has spent seasons with the Shaw Festival, Free Will Players, and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival (as Cordelia and the Fool in King Lear). In recent months, he has played Sparkle in Habitat (Theatre Network), The Playwright in The Review(SummerWorks), and Woof in the Toronto revival of Hair (CanStage). His musical playCaptain Princess was one of four works-in-progress presented at Buddies In Bad Times' Spotlight on the Creator/Perfomer this past October. Andrew is a graduate of the U. of A. BFA (Acting) Program.
Tim Machin trained at the University of Victoria and then, moved to England. While living in London, he did national and international touring, regional rep, London, West End and Fringe. Highlights include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Complete Millenium Musical (Abridged), Taking Steps, The Murder of Sherlock Holmes and Around The World In Eighty Days. He worked extensively in voice over and won the gold medal in the category of classic abridged fiction for his reading ofOne False Move by Harlan Coben. As a singer songwriter he fronted various bands. Since moving back to Canada recently he has appeared on Forensic Factor for the Discovery Channel and The Great Quake for the National Geographic Channel. Tim spent last summer in the Muskokas performing in Tom Dick And Harry.
Sarah is originally from Edmonton, but is currently based in Toronto. She is a graduate of the BFA (Acting) program at the U of A, where she worked with Jonathan and Bretta onThe Still Point of the Turning World. In Edmonton, she worked for Workshop West, Skid Theatre/Ron Jenkins, Shadow Theatre, Azimuth and Acme. Sarah then moved overseas to study at the London Contemporary Dance School. She worked in England doing regional rep, radio drama, choreography, at various theatres on the London Fringe and toured extensively round Europe, Scandinavia and the Far East. Highlights include, Dr. Who for the BBC, The Winslow Boy, Absent Friends, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Since being in Toronto, Sarah has appeared in Klank at the Harbourfront and a staged reading of Rosemary Rowe’s play Kiss with Your Teeth at Buddies in Bad Times. Sarah is a founding member of the Ruckus Ensemble, a research based theatre company that presents After the Crash, a play about brain injury.
A graduate of both the Grant MacEwan Theatre Arts Program and the University of Alberta B.F.A. Acting Program, Nancy has worked across the country at theatres including the Citadel, Vancouver Playhouse, National Arts Centre, the Globe and the Grand. Some highlights of her theatre career includeRomantic Accordion, Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly, Taming of the Shrew and Frankenstein. Currently she lives in Toronto where she has worked extensively in film and television for the past ten years. She has had exciting opportunities working with some of her favourite actors including Anne Bancroft, Mathew Modine, Sigourney Weaver and John Stamos. Nancy can be seen next in Misery at Theatre Network. She was recently honoured to receive an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for her performance in last year’s incarnation of Frankenstein.
Dov is one of the original artistic associates with Catalyst Theatre and, in the role of Kirbus, toured their award-winning House of Pootsie Plunket all over Canada and the UK. For Catalyst - Electra, The Abundance Trilogy,Songs for Sinners and The Blue Orphan(Magnetic North Theatre Festival), Frankenstein (2006/07). Now based in Toronto, Dov continues to work on stage, film and television. Selected theatre: Amadeus(CanStage/Citadel), A Midsummer Night's Dream (CanStage), The Trials of John Demjanjuk (Theatre Asylum-tour), The Amorous Servant (Pleiades), Kyke Kabaret(Rhubarb Festival-Buddies – which he wrote and performed), The Gladstone Variations(Convergence) and most recently, Dying to Be Sick (Pleiades/NAC). He appeared in the short film Found Objects (Old World Films) which premiered at the Toronto, Montreal and Sao Paulo film festivals 2007. A huge thanks to my family and friends for their love and support.
Tracy is thrilled to make her Vancouver debut with Catalyst Theatre’s Frankenstein. She is originally from Manitoba, but has been working in Edmonton for the last few years. Selected theatre credits include: The Shape of a Girl (Concrete Theatre), Quality (Nordic Nomad Productions, England), Shoe! (Vault: Theatre of Invention), Frankenstein (Catalyst Theatre and Keyano College), Progress and Procrastination (The System Theatre), Get Away (Theatre Yes), On the Open Road (UofA),Undiscover’d Country (U. C. Collective),CHEECH (Mutt’s Nuts), Bearing Witness (UofA),The Beaux’ Stratagem, Electra, and The 7 Dwarfs (Studio Theatre), Camelot (Manitoba Theatre Centre), Funny Girl (Winnipeg Jewish Theatre), as well as simple gifts, a one-woman show written and performed by Tracy for a variety of communities; including Edmonton’s 2005 Fringe Festival and Washington, DC’s 2006 Capital Fringe Festival. Tracy is a BFA graduate of the University of Alberta.
George was both flattered and insulted to hear he was the director’s first choice to play a horrifyingly repugnant monster. He seems to be a natural choice when it comes to casting monstrous beasts, having played a giant slug (The Blind Butterfly, Iguanodon Theatre), an evil dragon (The Hobbit, Fringe Theatre Adventures), a nightmarish bear (Slowly An Exchange…, Edmonton Fringe), and (gasp!) an unrepentant philanderer (Dinner With Friends, Theatre Buffet Co-op). An Edmonton-based actor, George recently performed and co-produced The Anger In Ernest And Ernestine(Aarrgghh!! Productions), wrote Hockey Stories For Boys for Azimuth Theatre, and punched Tom Green in the stomach in the soon-to-be released feature film Freezerburn.
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