Frankenstein, The Musical

Original Cast (Performer)

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 1, 2002)
• Original Release Date: June 1, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B00006BN11
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #154,876 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Music by Mark Baron, Book & Lyrics by Gary P. Cohen & Jeff Jackson. Adapted for the stage from Mary Shelley's novel by Gary P. Cohen.

Product Description
Concept album of the new American stage musical, based on Mary Shelley's classic. Featuring 2002 Tony Award-winner Shuler Hensley (Oklahoma!) and Broadway stars Ivan Rutherford (Les Miz) and Rita Harvey (Phantom).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful musical deserving of a Broadway stage..., May 24, 2005

By	K. Sullivan "No accounting for taste..." (Virginia - United States) - See all my reviews

I was skeptical about purchasing this CD. I had never heard of the musical, samples of the songs were not available on Amazon, and it only cost $8.99. I was very concerned about what I would be getting. But I do enjoy musical theater and was intrigued by the prospect of what could be done with the material, so I took a leap of faith.

That leap paid off in spades. This concept recording is a fantastic treat. It has a lush gothic sound comparable to the best Broadway has to offer, in my opinion. Do not let the fact that it is a concept recording frighten you away. It is a fully realized story with beautiful composition. Based upon the storyline and the gothic sound, comparisons to Jekyll and Hyde are obvious. I intend any comparison favorably and, in fact, this story is better realized.

Most everyone has a general awareness of the story whether they have read Mary Shelley's work or not (as I must admit I have not - though I am tempted to now). I was delighted with how the story was told. It explores deep human emotion and experience like love, loneliness, family, loyalty, science and morality while staying deeply personal. It is a touching tale of how a doctor's desire to free humanity from death yields a personal harvest of the same. A few of the lyrics seemed a bit trite or contrived while trying to be a little too profound. But overall, the songs were extremely well done lyrically and musically.

The lead actors/singers were fantastic for their roles. Ivan Rutherford (as Victor Frankenstein) has a beautiful tenor voice. His delivery is crisp, clear, and full of emotion. A few of the notes were a little high for him, maybe not actually out of his range but cause for some strain. Overall, however, he is a tremendous tenor. Rita Harvey (as Elizabeth, the fiancé) has a sweet sound. Her voice is beautiful, very easy on the ears. Shuler Hensley (as the Creature) has a full, deep baritone voice. It seems so few musicals feature that vocal range. It was perfect for this role. His delivery was wonderful - highly emotive and technically sound. Such great performances absolutely sell the story.

I give only four stars because a couple of the numbers are not quite on par with the rest. While it is not perfect, it is closer than many.

I wholeheartedly recommend Frankenstein, The Musical to anyone who enjoys musical theater.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!!, October 5, 2003

By	Neil Bray (Southampton United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this CD on the chance that it would be as good as some other 'gothic' musicals such as Jekyll & Hyde, Possessed and Phantom (Maury Yeston).
I wasn't disappointed!!
Created during a Stephen Sondheim workshop this show beautifully creates Mary Shelley's book!! The single-minded dedication and ignorance of Victor Frankenstein is wonderfully executed in such songs as 'Birth To My Creation' and 'The Brides'. The monster/creation himself also gets to sing (not as bad or stupid as you may think!!) in the wonderful 'The Creature's Tale'.
Beautiful ballads are included with Dear Victor, A Father's Love.
Other songs of particular note are: The Coming of the Dawn, Why?, The Modern Prometheus and Amen.
Buy it now!! This musical deserves to be heard and at the price on Amazon it's an absolute steal!!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captures the spirit of the novel, October 11, 2005

By	Lucy A. Haskell "Librarian" (Fort Lee, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The music and lyrics are phenomenal and capture the spirit of the story and the time it was written. It is both dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful. The melodies are haunting and I cry eveytime I listen . Hoping for a broadway opening in the near future.