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
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 senior at Batavia High School, and Songs for a New World is her 9th show at BHS. She can’t wait for everyone to hear all the beautiful music in this show and experience the uniqueness of a black box musical. She also would like to thank all the parent volunteers who made this show possible. Enjoy the show!
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
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 is a junior and is thrilled to be a part of this amazing and unique production. She would like to thank the wonderful cast, crew, pit and production team for working so hard to make this show a reality. Enjoy!
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 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
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
Nun
Cast
Lord Byron/Sheriff
Cast
Sheriff's Wife
Assistant Music Director
Jealous Scientist/Woodcutter/Doctor
Jayden is a Senior and very excited to be the Student Music Director for this show! He thanks Mr. Barsch for allowing him help, and hopes you enjoy the show!
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 (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
Madame Bawr
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!
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 junior and this is her third musical at BHS! She is so excited for you to see all the hard work everyone has put in and 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!
Assistant Director
Artist Daughter/Villager
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
Cast
Villager
Cast
Villager
Cast
Villager
Cast
Villager
Crew
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. Songs for a New World is her 9th production at BHS and 6th as a member of the stage management team. She would like to thank her fellow Stage Managers, Senithi and Lauren, for all of their time and dedication over the rehearsal process. She would also like to thank her family for all of their support. Break a leg everyone!
Assistant Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager/Props Master
Senithi Hewamanage is a junior and this is her 5th show at the high school, but 6th show overall. She is so excited to be stage managing for a musical for the first time, and can’t wait to for you all to see the hard work everyone has put into these performances. Enjoy the show!
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
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 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
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
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 is a sophomore and is excited to be working behind the scenes on this year’s fall musical. She has previously been a part of last year’s musical, Mean Girls, and spring play, Frankensteins, but this year’s musical is her debut as Props Master. In her free time, she enjoys binging TV shows and spending time with her friends and family. Cheers to an amazing show!
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
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
Artistic Team
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!
Joseph Andersen
Technical Director
Mike Baglieri
Lighting Designer
Heather Johnson
Audio Engineer
Sponsors
