Frankenstein

by Vincent S. Hannam

The story of Victor Frankenstein’s blind ambition to solve the mysteries of life and death as well as The Monster’s desire for love and understanding. Caught between these destructive forces is the strong-willed, yet doomed, Elizabeth. One act adaptation available upon request. (4-10 actors; flexible casting; full length)

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Frankenstein

Recommended by

Toby Malone: Frankenstein by Vincent S. Hannam

“

An efficient, highly compact adaptation of Mary Shelley's gothic classic which impressively manages to hit the major beats of the novel with only three actors, in a workable, interesting company structure and deft touches in phrasing. A great achievement.

An efficient, highly compact adaptation of Mary Shelley's gothic classic which impressively manages to hit the major beats of the novel with only three actors, in a workable, interesting company structure and deft touches in phrasing. A great achievement.

”
Oil Lamp Theater: Frankenstein by Vincent S. Hannam

“

This is a fast-paced and gripping retelling of a classic tale that hooks you from the start. The casting flexibility is an excellent way to work the production to fit your vision and budget. Highly recommend theatres looking this script over and bringing it to life on their stage.

This is a fast-paced and gripping retelling of a classic tale that hooks you from the start. The casting flexibility is an excellent way to work the production to fit your vision and budget. Highly recommend theatres looking this script over and bringing it to life on their stage.

”

Character Information

The play is designed to work with four actors but can accommodate more, changing pronouns accordingly. For four actors, doubling would look like:
ELIZABETH/CAPTAIN WALTON/EMILY
FRANKENSTEIN/DELACEY
RIVERA/FATHER/INSPECTOR KROGH

Victor Frankenstein

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male
Elizabeth Frankenstein

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
The Monster

Character Age

20s+

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any gender
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
Captain Walton

Character Age

20s+

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any gender
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
DeLacey

Character Age

30s+

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any gender
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
Emily

Character Age

Child-20s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Female
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Child,
  
  Teens,
  
  20s
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Female
Sailors

Character Age

Any Age

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any gender
Father

Character Age

30s+

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male
Rivera

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Latinx

Character Gender Identity

Any gender
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
- Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
  
  Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
Inspector Krogh

Character Age

20s+

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s,
  
  70s+
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Male

Development History

Type Commission, Organization Hampstead Stage Company, Year 2016

Production History

Type Professional, Organization City Gate Productions, Off-Off Broadway, Year 2024
Type Professional, Organization Oil Lamp Theater, Year 2022
Type Professional, Organization 3rd Act Theatre, Year 2020
Type Community Theater, Organization River Company Theater, Year 2018
Type Professional, Organization Hampstead Stage Company , Year 2017
Type Professional, Organization Hampstead Stage Company , Year 2016

Awards

Best New Play or Musical

BroadwayWorld Chicago

Runner Up

2022

Genre

adaptation,

adventure,

drama,

fantasy,

horror,

melodrama,

mystery/thriller,

period,

science fiction,

tragedy,

young audiences

Subject Matter Keywords

Frankenstein,

Classic Literature,

Victorian

Length

90 minutes to two hours

Cast Size

4—10

Age of Intended Audience

all ages

Narrative Attributes

Centers Female Characters

Supporting Materials

Script Sample

Frankenstein.Sample.Hannam.pdf

Supporting Video

https://youtu.be/Z4OcTkgN4qc?si=f0UOSTpMzsk6yIWX

Reviews

Theatre Beyond Broadway (NYC)

“
These 90 minutes of madness will profoundly soothe your soul. You’ll leave wanting to dive into Mary Shelley’s novel, looking for answers to those questions we have been pondering for centuries.
”
Theater Scene (NYC)

“
This thrilling New York City premiere of Mr. Hannam’s philosophical, occasionally mirthful text is presented by the Queens-based City Gate Productions... taut and faithful stage adaptation... This rousing incarnation of Frankenstein abounds in excitement, fright and contemplativeness.
”
Broadway World Oklahoma

“
...this show is worth watching any way you can.
”
Broadway World Oklahoma

“
... the moment of realization when the creature discovers who did this to him is a powerful scene. It speaks to deeper ideas of abuse and consent, and when a person's abuser is named, a new kind of freedom is found.
”
Broadway World Oklahoma

“
Frankenstein is electric... a powerful and haunting portrayal of the classic horror story.
”
Around the Town Chicago

“
In most 'Frankenstein' adaptations we feel something for the monster, but I must tell you in this one, even more than usual. He does learn! He does communicate! He does love!
”
Caught in the Act

“
...this adaptation by Vincent Hannam honors the spirit of Mary Shelley... it's an expurgated production but not a choppy one, sacrificing none of the critical elements necessary to tell a good story.
”
OK Art Scene and Hurd

“
The author of this latest version is an actor and promising young playwright, Vincent Hannam... Hannam’s adaptation re-creates the sensations experienced by movie-goers in the black and white era of Hollywood nearly 100 years ago.
”