The Story Behind the Story That Gave Us Frankenstein
Mary Shelley, born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin in 1797, was an English novelist famous for
her Gothic masterpiece, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft, a well-known feminist philosopher, she was raised in an intellectual environment. Shelley married the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley when she was eighteen years old. Sadly, Mary's life was marked by tragedy. She lost her mother only eleven days after she was born, and she also experienced the heartbreak of losing several of her own infant children. Even with all that, she kept writing, creating other great books like The Last Man, and also helped to preserve her husband's work for future generations.
Shelley's Frankenstein is a timeless classic, and for good reason! Let's explore some of the things that inspired her:
A Spooky Vacation: A trip to Switzerland in 1816 really got the ball rolling. Mary and her future husband, Percy Shelley, and their friends Lord Byron and John Polidor were all stuck in a lake house during one gloomy summer. To pass the time, they challenged each other to think up ghost stories. Mary’s contribution was the story of Frankenstein.
Science and Society: All this sparked a novel that explores the worries people had about new scientific discoveries and ideas popping up in the 19th century. It was a time of big changes, and Frankenstein reflects that.
Philosophical Food for Thought: Shelley was also inspired by the ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher who wrote about humanity's constant struggle with nature and what it means to be aware and conscious.
A Powerful Mom: Mary's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was a well-known writer, feminist, and philosopher. Although she died when the younger Mary was only 11 days old, her mother had a posthumous influence on Mary. Wollstonecraft's most famous work is A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.
A Unique Upbringing: Mary was raised by her father, another renowned writer, who made sure she got a great education, even if it wasn't the traditional kind.
A Groundbreaking Book: Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus which was started when Mary was just 18 and finished at 19, is considered by many to be the first true science fiction novel.
Get Ready to Be Electrified: Meet the Creators Bringing Frankenstein to Musical Life
Mark Baron (Music) is a talented musician, arranger, and musical director. He's worked with a staggering 48 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Currently, he's the musical director for Grammy winner Gloria Gaynor. You might also recognize his work as an arranger for NBC's The Voice. And if that's not enough, he's collaborated with music giants like Andrea Bocelli, Aretha Franklin, and the Beach Boys.
Jeffrey Jackson (Book & Lyrics) is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker who began
his career as a graphic designer in the world of advertising. His short film, Our First Fight, was a hit on the film festival circuit. He is also a published playwright. Frankenstein was his first work for the stage and was praised by the AP as "bringing the classic story thrillingly to life." His play, Two Point Oh, premiered Off-Broadway in 2013, also directed by Skylight artistic director, Michael Unger.
Gary P. Cohen (Original Story Adaptation) was the Producing Director of Plays-in-the-Park in New Jersey, one of the biggest community theaters in the US, for over 20 years. During his tenure there, he directed more than 50 plays and musicals, designed sets and lighting, and produced 20 seasons. He's also written two books about theater, The Complete Guide to Community Theater and The Theater Director's Primer.
Frankenstein: Themes Still Ring True Today
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, though first published anonymously over two centuries ago, remains remarkably relevant today. Scholars continue to find its themes resonant in the 21st century. Exploring issues from loss of control and the search for identity to the implications of advancing technology (a nod to the AI assisting with this very article!) and the enduring nature versus nurture debate, Frankenstein offers much to consider. As you experience the musical adaptation, we invite you to reflect on these enduring themes.
The Dangers of Unchecked Ambition: Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of scientific glory leads to disastrous consequences. Where do we draw the line between scientific progress and ethical responsibility?
Isolation and Loneliness: Both Victor and his creation experience profound isolation, leading to destructive actions. How does society's treatment of those who are different contribute to feelings of isolation and alienation?
The Nature of Good and Evil: The creature, though initially innocent, is driven to violence by societal rejection. Are we born good or evil, or do our experiences shape us?
The Responsibility of the Creator: Victor abandons his creation, shirking his responsibility for its well-being. What are our obligations to those we bring into the world, whether children, creations, or even ideas?
The Search for Identity: The creature struggles to understand his own existence and find his place in the world. What defines our identity, and how do we find a sense of belonging?
Frankenstein: Reimagined, Resurrected, Reanimated
Explore the Diverse World of Frankenstein Adaptations
The 1931 movie featuring Boris Karloff's monster is perhaps the most famous depiction of Frankenstein, but the 1994 film, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, is, arguably, more loyal to the source material. How many of these adaptations have you seen? Which one is your favorite, regardless of how true to the source material? Puttin’ On the Ritz anyone?!
James Whale’s Frankenstein (1931)
James Whale’s The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Son of Frankenstein (1939)
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
Frankenstein Created Woman (1967)
Mel Brook’sYoung Frankenstein film (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show film (1975)
Mary Shelley Frankenstein (1994)
Kenneth Branagh’s Frankenstein (1994)
Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein on Broadway (2007)
National Theatre’s Frankenstein Play with Benedict Cumberbatch (2011)
Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie (2012)
Mary Shelley (2017)
