**** Recommended **** I’d never seen anything by Manual Cinema, so I really didn’t know what to expect when I went to see their production of “Frankenstein” at the Court Theatre. I thought I was seeing a play, but when I saw all the ‘stuff’ on stage, I knew I’d be seeing something completely different – and I did! This “Frankenstein” started and ended with Mary Shelley – appropriate since 2018 is the 200th anniversary of her book. On a huge screen over the stage, a silent movie played. On the stage below, live actors scurried around, manipulating rolling animations, shadow puppets and even their own silhouettes – all punctuated with thematic music and frames of dialogue. They were actually creating that silent movie playing over their heads! It was fascinating to watch and I give it 3 ½ Spotlights.
“Frankenstein” by Manual Cinema runs through December 2nd at the Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago. Parking is free in the garage next door to the Court – you have to take a ticket to enter but you won’t need it to exit, the gate stays up for 30 minutes after the performance.
Running time is 2 hours with an intermission. Performances are Wednesday through Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 2:00 and 7:30 pm. Tickets range from $50-$74. FYI (773) 753-4472 or www.CourtTheatre.org.
Read my entire review at www.spotlightonlake.com.
