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Tri-State Theater

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Friday, November 22, 2013

"Monster" - A Review

   Monster is a show unlike any other.

   It's an adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein story, though one that much more true to the original tale than any of the movies carrying the famous name.

   That translates into an unsettling tale of horror that starts small and quickly moves into the realm of cosmic questions, including life, death and the existence of God.

   It centers around scientist Victor Frankenstein's attempts to solve the world's biggest puzzle - death itself.

   His investigations lead him to an attempt to reanimate a cadaver - but he finds that he has unleashed a power beyond his control, one that threatens to destroy his world and those he loves.

   As always, Marshall University's Theatre Alliance (and the director, Clint McElroy) does tremendous work, including terrific performances by: Remy Sylvain as the haunted and driven Victor; James Lucas dominates the stage as the sometimes sympathetic and sometimes murderous Creature; Meghan Martin is a vision as the ethereal and lovely Elizabeth;  Luke Hagley is delightful as Victor's younger brother, the mercurial William; Levi Kelley and Meghan Martin are spot-on as Victor's long-suffering parents; Jordan Marx runs from comedy to horror as the tragic servant Justine; Michael Ross and Tim Woda anchor the story as sailors who face a grim fate in the Arctic; Ryan Cardwell is excellent as Victor's loyal associate; and Sarah Bryan and Ethan Hess are delightful as Young Elizabeth and Victor.

   The play is presented in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre, and uses clever lighting and a complex, creative set to create an amazing mood setting for each sequence.

   The story is dark and adult - I wouldn't recommend it for the young ones - but for anyone mature enough to enjoy a good horror tale, this is one to relish.

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