April 12 – 13

BHS Drama’s world premiere of this new spin on the old tale promises surprises at every turn. Mary Shelley’s shocking real life bleeds into the most famous ghost story contest in history: the stormy weekend her famous novel Frankenstein was invented. Now, the famous tale, re-written so that it more closely resembles Mary’s real life, begins with a grief stricken Victor Frankenstein willing to work with a controversial scientist named Igor, whose true identity can never be known. Pressure from the scientific community leads to the creation of the famous monster–but there is a twist about this monster–one that you’ll have to see to believe. This is a play about a society, any society, that seeks to purge from its midst anyone or anything that it fears and about a man who will plummet to the depths of darkness to stem the tide of his pain. Mania, mobs, and murder cascade from the choices made by Frankenstein, himself, leading us to question: who is the real monster?

Director’s Notes

Facts about Frankenstein

Our Frankenstein story is very different from author Mary Shelley’s novel, but the core ideas and themes are actually closer to the real-life experiences with which she dealt.
Any gossip revealed in this play about these historical figures is true. All of the European characters in the parlor at Villa Deodati are real people and their lives were like soap operas. The information about their real lives has been collected by biographers from their diaries.
Mary Shelley was just 18 years old when she had the idea for the story (coincidentally, co-playwright Hailey Casburn was only 18 when the writing of this script began).
Percy Shelley met Mary Godwin while he was married to another woman. Mary was 16 and Percy was about 21 when they ran away together. Harriet Shelley, Percy’s first wife, drowned herself the same year that Mary wrote Frankenstein.
Mary Shelley’s mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, is still considered today as one of the most important feminist writers of all time. Her mother wrote “A Vindication of the Rights of Women” in 1792. Wollstonecraft died due to complications after giving birth to Mary. A close study of Mary’s life and work reveals that she felt both haunted and inspired by the death of her mother.
Mary’s father was William Godwin, a famous writer in his own time. He was both cold and distant to Mary, though she faithfully supported him emotionally and financially. Despite his official stance which affirmed the “abolition” of marriage itself, he often refused to communicate with Mary and Percy when they became a couple, demanding that he would not unless Percy financially supported him.
The “year without a summer” mentioned in the play was a real thing! Mt. Tambora, an active volcano in Indonesia, erupted in 1815. This was the deadliest volcano eruption in history. The ash would take almost a year to spread over most of the globe, disrupting weather patterns and, in Europe, nearly blocking out the sun for the entire summer of 1816. It was this terrible, dark weather that led to Byron’s idea of the ghost story contest among his literary guests.
During this ghost story contest, young John Polidori came up with the idea for a novel he eventually wrote called Vampyr. This book heavily influenced Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Thus, this frightful collection of days would (eventually) result in the two most famous monsters of all time: Frankenstein’s Monster and Dracula!
George Gordon, known as Lord Byron, was the “rock star” of the Romantic Poetry period, living a mythical life and running from scandal to scandal. He was a huge celebrity at the time, and his work is still celebrated and studied today in literature classes, especially his most enduring poem, “She Walks in Beauty.” When he rented out the Villa Deodati in Switzerland and invited the Shelleys, local spectators checked out rooms on the opposite side of Lake Geneva and spied on him with telescopes! Byron, a supporter of liberal causes, demonstrated this with his actions as he died fighting in the Greek war for independence when he was 36 years old.
Byron’s only legitimate child, Ada Lovelace (he had an illegitimate daughter as well–she is mentioned in this play), would grow up to be a scientist, incredibly rare for a female in that time. She would actually help invent the machine that would become the modern day computer! The character Ada in this play is named for her.
Despite her work being filled with religious references, Mary and Percy Shelley created a scandal by openly being atheists.
Thanks to Mary’s tireless work, Percy, despite his early death, would be considered one of the most important poets and thinkers of the Romantic Literary period. Mary would collect those scribbled poems on the backs of napkins and the margins of textbooks and have them published, reshaping Percy’s image and cementing his massive poetic reputation. His most famous poem is probably “Ozymandias,” a major inspiration for themes in this play.

Cast

Victor Frankenstein

Drew is thrilled to be ending his senior year with the self-proclaimed highlight of his career! He hopes you enjoy the insanity, and thanks everyone involved for the opportunity, including his director!

Cast

Mary Shelley

Kate Streepey is a junior at BHS, and this is her 8th production with the Batavia Drama Program. She is so excited to perform, and she would like to thank everyone who contributed to this amazing production! Enjoy!

Cast

After four years of high school theater at BHS, Matthew is clocking out. He thanks you all for being apart of his theater journey.

Cast

Elisabeth

Erin is senior performing in her seventh show here at BHS. She is thrilled to be playing Elizabeth Frankenstein and can’t wait for everyone to see this show come to life! Erin would like to thank her family for their endless support as well as the amazing cast and crew who have worked so hard on this show!

Cast

Percy Shelley/Felix de Lacey

This show will be Mitchell Moss’ eighth show done for the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, along with having his biggest role yet. Before Frankenstein Mitchell has really only had a couple named characters, and none of them being big story critical characters with emotion and passion. Mitchell has been performing since middle school with some roles in shows like Beauty and the Beast. Mitchell is astronomically excited to have the opportunity to share his passion by providing entertainment for members of his community, along with having the opportunity to see the profound effect that a fantastic theater program can have and offer.

Cast

Henry

Cast

Sampson Bendis

Cast

Ethel Bendis

Lucy Lollini is a sophomore and is thrilled to be involved in her fourth production at BHS. She’d like to thank Casburn, the STAGE board, Cattero and the wonderful cast and crew for making this all possible. Enjoy the show!

Cast

Safie de Lacey/Midwife/Gravedigger

This is Lizzy’s first production here at BHS, and she is thrilled to be playing the roles she has gotten. She’s very grateful for this wonderful opportunity to be given to her, and she is excited for you to see the show!

Cast

Grandmother De Lacy

Beth is thrilled to be a part of her fifth and final show at BHS! Beth is a senior and has been dancing for eleven years. She is so happy to be a part of The Monster: A Frankenstein Tale and has made so many great memories along the way. She would like to thank her family and friends who have encouraged her along the way. She hopes you enjoy Frankenstein!

Cast

Father/Old Man with Cane

Lane is a Sophomore and Is glad to be part of The Monster: A Frankenstein Tale. His past shows include Kodachrome, Mean Girls, and Pride and Prejudice. This Is his fourth show with the BHS Drama Program, and is happy to make an impact on BHS history. He’d like to dedicate his performance to his supporters and hope you enjoy the show!

Cast

Justine

Kaia is thrilled to be returning to the BFAC stage for her fourth show at BHS. Despite all of the things she’d love to say, she will stick to a simple “thank you.” She hopes you enjoy the show! Shout out to this talented cast, crew, and production team! Je t’aime!

Cast

Nun

Cast

Lord Byron/Sheriff

Cast

Sheriff's Wife

Joy is a Freshman and this is her second high school production. She is so excited for you to see the amazing show. She would like to thank her amazing directors and stage managers for making this all possible! Enjoy the performance!

Cast

Jealous Scientist/Woodcutter/Doctor

Jayden is a junior who is very happy to have his first role with 20+ lines. He has one thing to say, “Thank you to everyone who supported me! Also, if you are thinking of doing theatre, do it. It changed my life.”

Cast

John Polidori/Scientist

Peter Angelini (John Polidori) – Peter is a freshman, this is his 3rd show at Batavia High School. Peter has been in theater since he was 8. He has been in Pan Jr, Under the Big Top Jr, Beauty and the Beast Jr, Kodachrome, and Mean Girls. He is very excited to be able to, once again, fulfill his passion of performing on the big stage. He is very grateful to be able to experience what our great theater program can offer. And he is very excited to see what comes in the future.

Cast

Bride of Frankenstein/Villager

Lia Woods (Bride of Frankenstein) Lia is a freshman and is very excited to be preforming in her third show at Batavia High School. Her favorite past shows include Heathers (Heather McNamara) and She Kills Monsters (Evil Tina). She is also a member of the drama club and Swingsingers. Her other hobbies include drawing, writing, and hanging out with her friends. She would like to thank her family for coming to every show and always supporting her, as well as the amazing directors and cast of Frankenstein!

Cast

Madame Bawr

Julia couldn’t be more excited to be ending her junior year with Frankenstein! She would like to extend her gratitude to Mr. Casburn, Hailey Adams, STAGE, and all parent volunteers for the countless hours they put in to make this show great! She would also like to thank all the cast and crew for making this show unforgettable.

Cast

Bloodthirsty Old Lady

Cast

Clarice

Mimi is a sophomore at BHS and is very excited for this year’s spring production. She’s been in 42nd Street and Mean Girls as a crew member, as well as Pride and Prejudice and Kodachrome as an actor. She is very proud of all the work that goes into this show, on and off stage! In her second year with the BHS Drama Program she hopes that she will keep making great memories with her fellow students. She would also like to thank all the adults that are part of the production taking time out their day to help the students make a great show. She hopes you enjoy Frankenstein as much as she does despite it being a little scary!

Cast

Ada

Charlotte is a sophomore and this is her seventh show at Batavia High School! She is so excited for you to see what the entire cast has been working on! She promises lots of cries, lots of gasps, and lots of fake blood! She hopes you love it!

Cast

Claire Clairmont

Charlie is so grateful and excited to participate in yet another incredible BHS theater production! They have participated in four shows previously, playing Mrs. Reynolds in Pride and Prejudice, and being in the ensemble for Nevermore, Spongebob, and Kodachrome. They hope you enjoy the show!

Cast

Artist Daughter/Villager

Sophia Jech is a Junior at BHS. She is so excited to perform for you in her 9th show here. Sophia is very grateful for the opportunity and for all of the people who work in the crew and all the parents who volunteer their time. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cast

Hettie/Scared Lady

Cast

Tough Lady

Frankenstein is Sydney Mowen’s second production for the BHS theater program as a sophomore! She worked on the crew of “Mean Girls” last fall and is very excited to be in this cast.She enjoys theater and being onstage (and backstage) very much and hopes you enjoy Frankenstein. She is happy she found her people.

Cast

Intense Lady

Milo Heath – Milo has been in theatre and productions since 2021. From Paulette in Legally Blonde Jr, Shane Grey in Camp Rock to Santa in Elf Jr. This will be her first production with BHS and she is really excited. She wants to thank her family for always supporting her and her friends and teachers.

Cast

Villager

Gwen is in eighth grade and cannot wait to be a part of this production. She has been in 9 other theatre productions outside of the BFAC. This is her first show at the BFAC and she is so excited! She wants to thank her parents for encouraging her, the friends she made in the show, and the directors for letting her be a part of the show.

Cast

Villager

Cast

Villager

Cast

Villager

Cast

Villager

Crew

Stage Manager

Lexie is so excited for the show! She is a Junior and this is her 8th production at BHS and 5th as a member of the stage management team. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support, as well as all of the crew and management members that put in so much work to make the show what it is. Break a leg!

Assistant Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager/Props Master

Senithi is a sophomore at BHS and this is her 5th show at the high school & her 6th show overall! She is so excited to be working on this show as an Assistant Stage Manager and as the Props Master. Senithi would like to thank the prop moms for their dedication and STAGE for all their support. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Assistant Stage Manager

Lauren is a junior at BHS, this is her 5th show, and 4th being a part of the stage management team. She took a small break from crew but is ecstatic to be back and is very happy with how things are running. She thanks everyone who has put in countless hours to making this happen and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Crew Leader

This is Lily’s 9th and final show at Batavia High School. Since moving here in sophomore year, she has been an active member of BHS’s Drama Program. She would like to thank all of the people who work behind the scenes to help bring the show to stage, as well as the cast. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Crew

Crew/Props Team

Tatj is a senior and is glad to be involved in her 11th and final show her at BHS. She would like to thank Mr Casburn, Mr Cattero, Joe, Mike, Heather, and Adam for all they’ve taught her. She would also like to thank her friends, family, and all those involved with the shows for the constant support they’ve shown to her and this program. She hopes you enjoy the show with its amazing set and talented cast and hopes you continue to come see the amazing productions that BHS theater creates. Good luck next year guys!

Crew

Claire is a sophomore and a stage crew member in the spring play. This is her third show as a crew member and she is very excited to be a part of this play! She loved her time in stage crew for the Pride and Prejudice and Mean Girls productions and learning the behind the scenes work that goes into the shows especially for sound and microphones. She wishes everyone the best of luck and hopes you enjoy the show!

Crew

This is Gianna’s 4th show being apart of crew. She is so excited, she’s hopes you enjoy the show

Crew

Michael is a freshman at BHS and this is his first production ever! He is excited to be part of the crew and hopes you enjoy the show.

Crew

Meghan is a Freshman at BHS and has done spotlights in the Mean Girls musical. For the Frankenstein production she will be in the position of light board.

Crew

Sarrinah Iqbal is excited to be working with crew to help bring this production of Frankenstein to life. This is her second show that she’s been part of with many more to come. She hopes that you all come and enjoy the show.

Crew

Julia Daugherty is a sophomore and this is her first time working in crew at BHS. She is having so much fun working with crew and hopes to do more shows with crew in the future. Enjoy the show!

Crew

Alia Khan is a sophomore at BHS, and this is her fourth production with the Batavia Drama Program. She is very overjoyed for everyone to see the play, as well as for everyone preforming.

Crew

Brooke is a senior at Batavia High School. This will be her second show with the Batavia Drama

Program, her first being Mean Girls. She is very excited for you to see the show, and she hopes you enjoy it!

Artistic Team

Joshua Casburn

Director

Joshua Casburn is honored to be the director of such an amazing cast. Joshua attended Wheaton College and earned a BA in Communications: Theater, and a BA in English. At Wheaton, he was proud to be part of the“Workout” theatre troupe, as it had a profound influence on him artistically. After college, he and other “Workout” alums developed their own theater, Spendrift Theater Company, based out of Glen Ellyn, IL. Mr. Casburn has directed many plays at BHS. Some of his recent directing credits at BHS include productions of Animal Farm, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Casburn also has experience producing films. He won “Best Picture” and “Best Screenplay” at the Wheaton College Class Film Festival. He spent some time in Hollywood at the Act One Screenwriting program and has also studied screenwriting in Chicago. He also has a Masters of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, and teaches Creative Writing, Theater Arts, and Film as Literature at BHS. His teaching and artistic endeavors are extensions of his most important, most fulfilling job: being a husband to his AMAZING wife Heidi, and a father to four wonderful kids: Hailey, Logan, Elise, and Brendan. “I’m so proud and blessed to have worked with all of these talented young students.

Assistant Director

Assistant Director & Helga

Hailey Adams cannot believe this is her last show! After joining the program in her junior year, she has been overjoyed with all the opportunities given to her. She has loved not only being a part of Frankenstein as cast, but has loved assistant directing her second show. She has loved being a part of the process of the show and can not wait to perform it. Hailey wants to give a big thank you to everyone that is a part of the show, and especially a big thank you to Casburn for allowing her to be his assistant director for two shows!