Frankenstein Upstairs Is Playing at The Secret Theatre

Our arts correspondent Megan Green attended a performance of “Frankenstein Upstairs” produced by Gideon Productions at The Secret Theatre in LIC, and brings us her reactions to the play. -Meg

Gideon Productions’ Frankenstein Upstairs opened June 13 at The Secret Theatre in Long Island City. Set in modern times, a couple struggles with combining their professional and personal relationships. Meanwhile, the power in their apartment keeps flickering on and off, and they soon meet their mysterious neighbor from upstairs who is responsible for the power outages.

Science fiction has always been a fantastical vehicle to illustrate human truths – and a great surprise to see in live theater. Set designer Sandy Yaklin managed to balance classic camp with believability, employing tubes and wires and instruments that go “blip.” The four-person cast – Autumn Dornfield and Diana Oh as Sophie and Marisol, the couple in question; Kristen Vaughn as the socially awkward, electricity-sapping neighbor; and Rob Maitner as the friend and client that poses as many professional as personal problems – pulled off a seamless performance. Mac Rogers’ funny, smart writing was kept on pace by Jordana Williams’ deft direction.

In a city where so few of us know our neighbors, it’s entirely plausible that your neighbor is a mad scientist! Beyond the mad science, however, is a story of choices and moving beyond clinging to the past in order to build a new future together.

Frankenstein Upstairs will be performed at the Secret Theatre, easily accessible from either the 45th Road – Court Square or Queensborough Plaza subway station, Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday matinee at 3 pm through June 30. There is also a special performance on Wednesday, June 26.