Apopka's Frankenstein A Powerful Story

by Ana Bechel, Timber Creek High School

One of the most captivating pieces of American literature is hands down, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This terrifying tale is about one man’s goal, or rather his obsession, to successfully and essentially play God and bring a man back to life. This powerful story was acted and performed last weekend by Apopka High School.

In the beginning, Victor Frankenstein did not realize how a plethora of experimentation and a few bolts of lightening could lead to the creation of his monster that ultimately ruined his life. Victor did not realize that as the monster grew more and more intelligent the more violent he became.

The monster, wandering in a world scorned and confused, did not realize he was brought back from the dead. Shunned by all for his repulsiveness, except for the kindness of a blind man, the creature came to realizations about his Creation and believed Frankenstein was his God. He eventually forced Victor to try and create a friend for him. Frankenstein could not and did not. The monster’s strength grows out of hand, accidentally, at first, but eventually sets out purposely to murder Frankenstein’s friends and family, leading to a tragic ending of heartache.

Overall, Apopka’s performance proved to be a thrilling and overcast one at that. With a combination of an astounding, professionally functional set and a cast full of energy and poise, Frankenstein was a must see.

Kyle Mulcahy provided an accurate portrayal as the fanatical, passionate Victor Frankenstein. Along side Frankenstein was his bride to be Elizabeth, played by Faith O’Hare, who conveyed charm and innocence beside Frankenstein. The Monster, portrayed by Michael Sapp, had intense depth and meaning to his remarkable believability and appropriate character development.

In a supporting role, Henry Clerval portrayed Victor Frankenstein’s friend and fellow lab partner with intense emotion and left the audience in sadness with his untimely death. Nataly Giraldo, who played Justine Moritz, William's nanny, portrayed the character with love for the child and passion while pleading for her innocence.

Professional set design, lights, sound, and costumes worked brilliantly together. Desipte a few bumps, the production saw very easy scene changes. The revolving flats revealed many twists and turns that provided countless different settings that assisted in the portrayal of the story even more.

All in all Apopka’s rendition of Frankenstein kept the audience on the edge of their seats and in thoughtful wonderment: Could you really successfully play God without repercussions?

Originally published in The Backstage Noise, Fall, 2006