Chicago Premiere

An electrifying tale of man playing god, Mary Shelley's gothic masterpiece Frankenstein has fascinated readers ever since its first publication in 1818. In time for Halloween, the Joffrey Ballet presents the Chicago Premiere of Liam Scarlett's quintessential production, plunging viewers into the 19th century where the newly minted monster searches for meaning and connection against Lowell Liebermann's expansive score.

What is the story?

The original story of Frankenstein has mostly been forgotten with the advent of Hammer Horror movies, and now the Creature is a staple of pop culture, even laughable with his flat-top haircut and neck bolts. However, Scarlett's rich and evocative production turns down the horror angle, and transforms it into a Gothic love story with a tragic end worthy of opera, with an emphasis on exploring what it means to be human.