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.

Crew

Crew

Crew

Chloe is a sophomore, and this is her second show being in the crew. Her first show was Frankenstein and she is excited to be back. Chloe enjoys playing and listening to music as she is in marching band, jazz band, and concert band. She wishes for everyone to enjoy the show!

Assistant Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Stage Manager

Lexie is so excited for the show! She is a senior at BHS and is heavily involved in the drama department. The Odd Couple is her 10th production at BHS and 7th as a member of the stage management team. She would like to thank her Stage Manager, Senithi, for all of her time and dedication over the rehearsal process. She would also like to thank her family for all of their support. Break a leg everyone! 

Stage Manager

Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager/Props Master

Senithi Hewamanage is a junior and has previously worked on seven shows, making this one her eighth. She is so excited to be stage managing this year’s winter production! Senithi would like to thank her assistant stage manager Lexie Horne – for all her help, Sarrinah Iqbal – for her dedication and hard work as props master, and the incredible production team for making this show come to life! She hopes you enjoy the show.

Assistant Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Lauren Smith is a senior at Batavia High School and this is her 6th show at BHS and 5th on the stage management team. She would like to thank the other stage managers, Senithi and Lexie, and all the actors who put so much time and effort into this musical. She is very excited for everyone to hear the beautiful music and voices in Songs for a New World, and enjoy the show!

Crew Leader

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

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

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

Crew

This is Gianna’s 5th show at the BFAC. She’d like to thank her friends and family for encouraging her to join crew. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Crew

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

Crew

Crew

Crew

Meghan is currently a sophomore at BHS and is excited to return to crew for this production of The Odd Couple, after previously working on Mean Girls and Frankenstein. She primarily works with lighting but enjoys all aspects of backstage work. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this show and hopes you enjoy the performance!

Crew and Props Master

Crew and Props Master

Sarrinah Iqbal is excited for you to see this year’s winter play, The Odd Couple (Female Version)! This is her second show as Props Master and has previously worked behind the scenes on shows including Mean Girls and Songs for a New World. She can’t wait for you to see the show!

Crew

Crew

Crew

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

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

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!

Cast

Cast

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

Cast

Mary Shelley

Kate Streepey is a senior at BHS, and this is her 10th production with the Batavia HS Drama Program. This is her last winter production with the high school, and she is very sad but excited for the future! She would like to thank all the volunteers that made this show possible and hopes everyone enjoys the production.

Cast

Cast

M

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

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

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

Cast

Henry

Cast

Cast

Sampson Bendis

Cast

Cast

Ethel Bendis

Lucy Lollini is a junior at Batavia High School and is thrilled to be a part of this production. This is her sixth production at the high school, but 42nd production overall. When she’s not performing on stage, she enjoys studying literature, spending time with loved ones, and baking. She’d like to thank this incredible cast, crew, and production team for providing her with such a unique opportunity to be a part of this show. She hopes you enjoy the performance as everyone has put a great deal of effort into it. (@lucy.lollini)

Cast

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

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

Cast

Father/Old Man with Cane

Lane Is a Junior and Is glad to be a part of Songs For A New World. His past shows include The Monster: A Frankenstein Tale, And Mean Girls. This is his Fifth show with the BHS Drama Program, and is happy to make an Impact on Drama Program and BHS. He’d like to dedicate his performance to his supporters and hope you enjoy the show!

Cast

Cast

Justine

Kaia Olberg is a junior at BHS. She has been in theater her whole life and this will be her 5th show at Batavia! She is so grateful for this wonderful learning opportunity, and would like to thank everyone that made it possible! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cast

Cast

Nun

Liv Villanueva is a sophomore at Batavia High School and is thrilled for you to see this amazing production of The Odd Couple (Female Version)! Her previous shows include Mean Girls and Frankenstein. She is also a member of But Seriously Folks, the improv troupe. She’s thrilled to be cast as Renee. Liv would like to thank her friends and family who stand by her side and support her through everything she does. She wouldn’t be where she is without any of you. She’s so ready for you to see all the hard work that has been put into this and hopes you love it!

Cast

Cast

Lord Byron/Sheriff

TJ Cleckner is a Sophomore at Batavia High School and has done multiple shows here. Including Mean Girls and Frankinestien. He is also a part of the school improv team But Seriously, Folks. He is very exited to be in the Odd Couple and can not wait for everyone to see it. He is very grateful for this opportunity and the support he has been given along the way.

Cast

Cast

Sheriff's Wife

Joy Mamminga is a Sophomore at BHS, and this is her third high school production! She is also apart of But Seriously Folks Improv troupe, and Swingsingers. She would like to thank her amazing family for supporting her through everything, her fabulous directors for all the dedication they have put into the show, and her wonderful cast mates for making the show awesome! She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does!
Assistant Director

Assistant Director

Jealous Scientist/Woodcutter/Doctor

Jayden is having a more executive Senior year with his second directorial role after being Songs For a New World’s Student Music Director. His repertoire also includes Animal Farm (Dog), Nevermore (Mr. Walker, Ensemble), Spongebob: The New Musical (crew), 42nd Street (Frankie), Pride & Prejudice (Ensemble), Mean Girls (Martin J), Kodachrome (Ensemble), and The Monster: A Frankenstein Tale (Horace, Interrupting Guy, Doctor, Woodcutter) only missing one show. He is proud of how far this cast has come, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Cast

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

Cast

Bride of Frankenstein/Villager

Lia Woods (Just One Step/Surabaya-Santa) Lia is a sophomore at Batavia High School and is very excited to part of this year’s musical. Her favorite past show has been Heathers (Heather McNamara). She is also a member of the drama club, Swingsingers and Chromatics. Her other hobbies include drawing, reading, 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 Songs for a New World.

Cast

Cast

Madame Bawr

Julia (Mickey) is a senior at BHS and is so excited to be doing her 3rd and final blackbox show. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to tell the story of a strong woman in a male dominated field. She is incredibly grateful to her family, her director, the STAGE board, stage managers, and her castmates that have helped bring this story to life. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cast

Cast

Bloodthirsty Old Lady

Mac is a senior and she is very excited to be doing her 9th show with BHS. She would like to thank everyone who has helped to give her the opportunity to perform. She would also like to thank the audience for coming. She hopes that you enjoy the performance!

Assistant Director

Assistant Director

Clarice

Mimi is a junior at BHS and is very excited for this year’s winter production. She’s been in 42nd Street and Mean Girls as a crew member and Pride and Prejudice (Kitty), Kodachrome (EMT), and Frankenstein (Clarice) as an actor. This is her first production as an assistant director and she is very proud of all the work that went into this show on and off stage and it has been a wonderful experience! In her third year with the BHS Drama Program, she hopes to 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! 

Cast

Cast

Ada

Charlotte is a Junior at Batavia High School, and this is her eighth show here! You may have seen her in Mean Girls (Cady), Kodachrome (Librarian), Frankenstein(Igor/Ada), and most recently in songs for a new world! Charlotte is also a part of But Seriously Folks, and takes photos for the Media Team! She hopes you love the show as much as she has loved being in it!!

Cast

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!

Assistant Director

Assistant Director

Artist Daughter/Villager

Sophia loves assistant directing her first show! She is a senior at Batavia High School and has acted in nine prior shows here. She is so proud of this show and the cast and crew and wants to thank all of the other adults and students that have helped make it happen. She hopes you enjoy songs for a new world!
Cast

Cast

Hettie/Scared Lady

Cast

Cast

Tough Lady

Cast

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

Cast

Villager

Gwen Elftmann(Ensemble) is in ninth grade. She has been in musicals such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, Shrek, and the Lightning Thief. She can’t wait to be in her first BHS musical! She wants to thank her sister, parents, and friends for supporting her through this!
Cast

Cast

Villager

Cast

Cast

Villager

Cast

Cast

Villager

Cast

Cast

Villager

Artistic Team

Joshua Casburn

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 FarmThe 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

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!

Joseph Andersen

Joseph Andersen

Technical Director

Mike Baglieri

Mike Baglieri

Lighting Designer

Heather Johnson

Heather Johnson

Audio Engineer

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