February 6, 2012

Broadway's Infamous Frankenstein of 1981



Here’s Gilbert Lesser’s classic poster for the infamous 1981 Broadway production of Frankenstein, a show that opened and closed on the same day.

Written by Victor Gialanella, this adaptation first played to good reviews at the Repertory Theatre of St.Louis, in March and April of 1979. Translating to Broadway, the play acquired an extravagant budget and massive, state of the art sets, including a towering fuse-blower lab for the creation scene. The usual number of stagehands was tripled to 35 just to handle the set pieces rotating into view on a giant turntable or swinging in from the rafters. The show’s opening, set for December 1980, was bumped twice, first to allow fine-tuning of the complex special effects, and again when lead actor William Converse-Roberts, as Victor Frankenstein, was replaced by David Dukes. Other cast members included Dianne Wiest as Elizabeth and Keith Jochim, brought over from the St.Louis version, as The Creature. In an inspired bit of casting, the formidable John Carradine appeared as the Blind Hermit. Forty-five years earlier, he had played a bit part as a hunter who stumbled into the Blind Hermit’s cabin and beheld Karloff’s Monster in Bride of Frankenstein.

Problems multiplied and costs soared through rehearsals and over a run of 29 previews. When it finally premiered at The Palace on Sunday, January 4, 1981, the unanimously dire reviews dealt this Frankenstein the final blow.

The New York Times’ Frank Rich was suitably impressed by the spectacular effects, the overwhelming sets and director Tom Moore’s “sure pictorial sense”, but noted that actors “hardly register against all the smoke and fog.” The narrative, Rich opined, was “plodding”, “stilted” and “lead-footed”, merging scenes from James Whale’s 1931 film and Mary Shelley’s novel into “a talky, stilted mishmash that fails to capture either the gripping tone of the book or the humorous pleasure of the film.” Jochim’s Monster “learns to talk - and once he does, he refuses to shut upThough elaborately made up with the requisite cranial fissures, Mr. Jochim lacks a commanding physical or vocal presence. He's just a beery lout in a Halloween costume.Also singled out for criticism was the “B-movie musical score” with spooky organ riffs, “thrown on top of the show's other noise to announce the desired emotional effect of each scene.”

In the end, Rich noted, “We feel nothing except the disappointment that comes from witnessing an evening of misspent energy. ''Frankenstein'' may be the last word in contemporary theatrical technology, but its modern inventions are nothing without the alchemy of plain, old-fashioned drama.

Frankenstein was shuttered by dawn. Over the next 48 hours, desperate attempts were made to save the show. Cast members volunteered for pay cuts and creators waived their royalties. One plan called for investors to pony up an additional $400,000 for retooling and television commercials, but at two million and counting — four times the initial budget — Frankenstein was already the costliest of all Broadway failures, earning a permanent spot on top ten flop lists. On Wednesday, January 7, the show was officially cancelled.

Gilbert Lesser’s poster fared better. No sooner was it printed that it was snapped up by the Museum of Modern Art. "The show's folding notice wasn't even up yet,” Lesser recalled, “when the museum called to tell me the poster had been chosen for its permanent collection. It's the highest of honors."

Lesser (1935-19990) was a pure designer, working with geometrical shapes and typography to achieve rigorously sparse and stunning images. His theatrical contributions included a now famous poster for Equus using flat shapes like puzzle pieces for an image evoking Picasso’s Guernica. Lesser’s poster for The Elephant Man used the pictogram for ‘man’, skewing its limbs and replacing the dot on top with a large circle, suggesting the character’s misshapen head. For Frankenstein, Lesser took the original St.Louis poster — a monster’s white hand against a black background — to another level, using torn paper to assemble the jigsaw hand. Lesser was of a school of stark design with Saul Bass, and his Frankenstein poster recalls Bass’ posters and title sequences for Anatomy of a Murder (1959) and Bunny Lake is Missing (1965).

Victor Gialanella’s Frankenstein, in its original, pre-Broadway version, continues to be staged to this day. To be fair, the infamous Broadway version had been heavily rewritten. The author would go on to a brilliant career in television, earning two Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on Guiding Light and Days of Our Lives.


An appreciation of Gilbert Lesser, from The Baltimore Sun.

Frank Rich’s New York Times Review of Frankenstein (1981).

How Broadway’s Frankenstein nearly came back to life”.


78 comments:

Rick said...

Missing that one-night performance is one of my great regrets. I did speak with someone who had seen it that very night, and thought it had gotten a bum rap, that the reviews were overly tough. "It wasn't great," she told me, "but it wasn't THAT bad." Oh, well.
For whatever it's worth, I was later part of an even more expensive Broadway flop, helping to bump FRANKENSTEIN down the list a bit.
Thanks for a great reminder of a sad and expensive failure.

David L Rattigan said...

I remember reading a passing reference to this production when I was a kid, and I've always wanted to learn more about it. Love Lesser's poster art.

Anonymous said...

I wish more photographs of this production were available.

wich2 said...

Just missed that one. For the obvious reasons that I had no real chance to see it. (Unlike Raul Julia's DRAC, but that's another story...)

Rich can be a smart-aleck; but Rick's friend's opinion seems to bear him out:

This B'way edition was one where the sizzle obscured the steak.

-Craig "sometime Monster" W.

Bob said...

I did not see it, but my good friend, genre historian Chris Steinbrunner, was there that magical (or infamous) night. He said the Carradine was chewing the scenery in a memorable way, and that the show was actually rather good. I am sorry to this day that I did not see it myself.

Anonymous said...

I saw it and loved it ! The sets were amazing ! Frankenstien's lab equpment dropping from the cealing onto to a foggy stage, The use of rod puppets behind a lit curtin in some scenes was awesome, but most of all seeing John Carradine on stage was the hih point of the night . We gave him a 5 minute standing O at the end of the show. :)

Tom Smith

Anonymous said...

Best of all We won the tickets to see it via WNEW FM !
Tom Smith

Unknown said...

I saw it as a fourteen yearear old theater brat and thought it was frickin' AWESOME. When the critics panned it and it flopped, I wondered how these old folks lost their sense of wonder and awe. A great show cut down by cynics.

Web Marketing said...

Enter Amazon Activation Code:
=========================
youtube.com/activate
www.amazon.com/mytv
www.amazon.com/mytv
www.amazon.com/mytv
www.amazon.com/mytv
www.amazon.com/mytv
www.amazon.com/mytv
foxnew.com/connect
hbomax.com/tvsignin
www.primevideo.com/mytv
tubi.tv/activate
www.hulu.com/activate
espn.com/activate
sling.com/activate
youtube.com/activate
espn.com/activate
www.amazon.com/mytv
hbomax.com/tvsignin


najina said...

Rapido y Furioso 9 pelicula completa
Luca pelicula completa
Inuyashiki pelicula completa
El Conjuro 3 pelicula completa
A prueba de fuego pelicula completa
Black Widow pelicula Completa

Unknown said...

Defend against the unknown threats and proceed for Trend micro download with www.trendmicro.com/activate having Advanced Machine Learning Technology.If you have a Norton product key norton.com/setup and download Norton setup. Go through the 123.hp.com/laserjet provides wired and wireless.

mack zayn said...

Microsoft 365 or Office on your computer. If you are using any other Microsoft service such as OneDrive, Outlook, Skype, or Xbox Live, it means you already have an account that you can use for any Microsoft activity.
Microsoft365.com/setup
Microsoft365.com/setup
www.microsoft365/setup
Microsoft365.com/setup
Microsoft365.com/setup
www.microsoft365/setup

Max Turner said...

If you are setting the printer for the first time follow the below instructions given and setup your new HP printer easily. Unbox the 123.hp.com/ojpro9025 |solutions.brother.com/windows | turbotax login

Activate setup said...

Canon ij printer is a complete solution for multiple works that you can easily learn to set up from canon and get a better experience. ij.start.cannon/ts3322 , ij.start.canon/ts3322

Unknown said...

Amazon Prime Video allows you to access media and entertainment faster and more efficiently. Amazon launched Prime Video to meet its users' expectations of unlimited movie and video selections, which can be accessed anywhere, anytime. Prime Video is available on many devices. To activate Prime Video on a specific device, however, you must register it.www.amazon.com/mytv. We have provided the steps to generate the activation Code and register your device on Amazon.com/mytv for Prime Video.
amazon.com/mytv
amazon.com/redeem
amazon.com/code
amazon.com/mytv

Regiana Adela said...

Venom 2 online gratis
La noche de Halloween online gratis
Cato Pelicula completa en Español
Halloween Kills online gratis
Venom pelicula completa
Venom 2 pelicula completa
Kung Fu Panda 3 pelicula completa

Anonymous said...

[Filmovita] Zeleni vitez
[Filmovita] CRNA KUTIJA
[Filmovita] Iza rešetaka
[Filmovita] Mali šef: Obiteljski posao
[Filmovita] Poslije svega: Pad
[Filmovita] Kraljice kupona
[Filmovita] Petar Zecimir: Skok u avanturu
[Filmovita] Shang-Chi: Legenda o deset prstenova
[Filmovita] Avanture obitelji Bigfoot
[Filmovita] AINBO: DOBRI DUH AMAZONE

newon said...

I want to thank you for this great read!! I definitely love every part of it. I have you bookmarked your site to see what new you post
駕駛我的車 Online HD
老亨利 Online HD
美好的世界 Online HD
營救距離 Online HD
風信子 Online HD
摩加迪沙 Online HD
心猿意馬 Online HD
無主之人 Online HD
人狼遊戲7:地獄 Online HD
我來自北京之瑪尼堆的秋天 Online HD

Unknown said...

Full Movie HD
Full Movie HD
Full Movie HD
Full Movie HD
Full Movie HD
Full Movie HD
Full Movie HD
Full Movie HD
Full Movie HD
Full Movie HD

Regiana Adela said...

Lật Mặt 5: 48H vietsub
Trò Chơi Con Mực vietsub
Halloween Kills vietsub
Tên Của Tôi vietsub
Halloween Kills phim hay
Halloween Kills phim hay
Bố Già full hd
Lừa Đểu Gặp Lừa Đảo phim hay

Unknown said...

Squid Game Full Movie HD
Sprzątaczka Full Movie HD
Sceny z życia małżeńskiego Full Movie HD
Nocna msza Full Movie HD
Kasztanowy ludzik Full Movie HD
Good Girls Full Movie HD
Mała Wielka Stopa 2 Full Movie HD
Free Guy Full Movie HD
Oszustki Full Movie HD
Spencer Full Movie HD

Regiana Adela said...

Phim Lừa Đểu Gặp Lừa Đảo
Phim Lật Mặt 5 - 48H
Phim Venom 2
Phim Squid Game
Phim Lật Mặt 5
Phim Free Guy
Phim No Time to Die
Phim Mortal Kombat
Phim Jungle Cruise
Phim Halloween Kills

newon said...

Tu sam pred tobom Online sa Prevodom
Lovci na natprirodno Online sa Prevodom
Na putu prema dolje film sa prevodom
Grimm ( 2021 )online sa prevodom
Fast and furious 9 ( 2021 )online sa prevodom
Liga pravde Zacka Snydera ( 2021 )online sa prevodom
Emily in Paris ( 2021 )online sa prevodom
After we fell ( 2021 )online sa prevodom
SUMRAK SAGA: PRASKOZORJE 2 ( 2021 )online sa prevodom
Venom 2 ( 2021 )online sa prevodom

Anonymous said...

Squid Game streaming

Regiana Adela said...

Check Out the Best Movies on My Platform


Phim Venom: Đối Mặt Tử Thù
Phim Trò Chơi Con Mực Game
Phim Lật Mặt 5 vietsub
Phim Bond 25
Phim Halloween Kills Vietsub
Phim Detective Conan Movie 24
Phim Bàn tay diệt quỷ
Phim Dune
Phim Shang-Chi
Phim Hometown Cha Cha Cha

newon said...

Thank you for posting such a great article! It contains wonderful and helpful posts. Keep up the good work
《永恆族》 「完整版」 小鴨 — 線上看
《荷里活有個耆福黨》 「完整版」小鴨 — 線上看
《索命女校》 「完整版」小鴨 — 線上看
《永遠比那些笨蛋年輕》 「完整版」小鴨 — 線上看
《旺角卡門(4K數碼修復版)》 「完整版」小鴨 — 線上看
《愛登士家庭2》 「完整版」 小鴨 — 線上看
《小獅與灰狼的夢想日記》 「完整版」 小鴨 — 線上看
《梅艷芳》 「完整版」 小鴨 — 線上看
《午夜天鵝》 「完整版」 小鴨 — 線上看
《汪汪隊立大功大電影》 「完整版」 小鴨 — 線上看

Anonymous said...

Check Out the Best Movies on My Platform


My Name HD Vietsub
Bốn Chúng Ta HD Vietsub
Tình Đầu Chóng Phai HD Vietsub
Tình Yêu Vật Lý TẬP 11 HD Vietsub
Chỉ Là Quan Hệ Hôn Nhân TẬP 14 HD Vietsub
Narcos Vs Zombies HD Vietsub

newon said...

Thank you for posting such a great article! It contains wonderful and helpful posts. Keep up the good work
月光光新慌慌:萬聖殺 Duckling Online
靈語 Duckling Online
蜜月夜不眠 Duckling Online
怒火 Duckling Online
血客聯盟 Duckling Online
爽賺姐妹 Duckling Online
羊懼 Duckling Online
鬼計 Duckling Online
我的意外男伴 Duckling Online
租屋全都錄 Duckling Online

newon said...

Thank you for posting such a great article! It contains wonderful and helpful posts.
[Gledaj] Halloween Kills (2021) Online Sa Prevodom
[Gledaj] Dune (2021) Online sa Prevodom
[Gledaj] Nesavršeni robot Ron (2021) Online sa Prevodom
[Gledaj] 100% Wolf (2021) Online sa Prevodom
[Gledaj] VENOM 2 (2021) Online sa Prevodom
[Gledaj] ZA SMRT NEMA VREMENA (2021) Online sa Prevodom
[Gledaj] The Addams Family 2 (2021) Online sa Prevodom
[Gledaj] The Last Duel (2021) Online sa Prevodom
[Gledaj] The Boss Baby: Family Business (2021) Online sa Prevodom
[Gledaj] Love, Rosie (2021) Online sa Prevodom

john smith said...

Amazon prime can be found to owners through amazon com/mytv of flowing programs and apparatus. On amazon prime you are able to stream movies and television episodes on amazon videu program. You can enjoy amazon prime video on diffrent platforms like fire television, smart-tv, streaming media player, video games console, cell phone or tablet computer. You can easily activate your amazon prime you just need to follow the simple instructions and go to www.amazon.com/mytv to activate amazon Prime Video on your TV. You just need to enroll your compatible device at mazon.com? Just go to the site www.amazon.com/mytv and observe the guidelines to fill out the enrollment of your device, then it is possible to begin appreciating Amazon Prime Instant Video service for free. You need to make use of the 6 digit amazon MY TV code to get enrollment of one’s apparatus.

https://mytvlink-code.com/amazon-com-mytv/

Vedic Astrologer said...

It seems that people are getting attracted to your blog because of the keyword you had used in your write-up. Nice effort by you and look forward to reading your other articles. Till then you can also make your own free birth chart using Janam Kundli.

जन्म कुंडली कैलकुलेटर || kundli matching by name in hindi

printerrstart said...

We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up.

A better quality printer supports high-speed printing and works on quality performance. If you have any question please our website - canon.com/ijsetup

James Watson said...

What’s Amazon MyTV (Television)?
Amazon Prime via www.Amazon.Com/mytv may be discovered to proprietors of flowing applications and equipment. Together with Amazon Prime you are able to circulate limitless films and tv episodes on amazon high video software. It’s possible to experience amazon top video too on-hearth television, SMART-TV, streaming media player, video video games console, cellular telephone or pill pc.
www.amazon.com/mytv enter code
amazon.com/mytv code
www.amazon.com/mytv code
amazon enter code

Naveen Kumar said...

Thanks for sharing such useful info. Use our website to check out your Jathagam Porutham for a successful married life.

Unknown said...

You will need to sign into your Amazon Prime Account during the activation phase. It is essential to have an Amazon Prime Account created. This account is only activated by a free login.
www.uktvplay/activate
ok google set up my device
locast.org activate
amazon com code

alexammy said...

amazon code
amazon.com/code
amazon.com/us/code
amazon.com/us/code

Primevideomytv said...

Primevideo.com/mytv - Start watching Prime Videos on versatile and tablets as well as. With a qualified Amazon Prime participation, you approach a huge number of Prime Video titles at no extra expense. To Activate Prime Video, download it from your application store or play store Amazon Prime App after sign in you will get a Primevideo.com/mytv activation code, visit Primevideo.com/mytv and enter Amazon prime activation code on your Smartphone or PC.
Read more...
www.primevideo.com/mytv
primevideo/mytv code

Anonymous said...

My Blogs - Visit for more information
FOr HBO hbomax.com/tvsignin
For disneyDisneyplus.com login/begin
For blogging abc.com/activate
FOr disneyplus Disneyplus.com/begin

Anonymous said...

https://reallygoodemails.com/freedeliveryorderambien10mgonline
https://reallygoodemails.com/freedeliverybuyambien10mgonline

Nidhi Kalyan said...

Do you need help with your Accounts Payable in Melbourne? Businessbooks can help! We offer a wide range of bookkeeping and accounting services, tailored to your specific needs. We can help you with everything from setting up your books to preparing your tax returns.

Unknown said...

I was not born in 1981. But when got young, I heard the popularity of Frankenstein and then I watched. It was amazing and had a very good experience. dell business laptops

Sambandhah said...

a good story is written but I wish for more photographs if available please post them. Thanks for sharing with us. "Sambandhah" is made to strengthen your relationship with Counseling Services. It provides India’s best Marriage Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Post Marital Counseling, Relationship Counseling, Parenting Counseling, and Family Counseling.

Shree Viratra Engineering said...

A good story written and very useful information, thanks for sharing with us. Shri Viratra Engineering is the most trusted Manufacturers & Exporters of Food Processing Plants Such As Fully Automatic Dal Mill Plant, Fully Automatic Wheat Flour Mill Plant, Fully Automatic Besan Plant, Automatic Seed/Grain Cleaning Plant, Sortex Cleaning Plant, Spices Processing Plant, Korma Roasted Plant And Guar Gum processing Plant since 2002.

nikki bella said...

If you encounter Canon MX 922 error 6000, clear the paper jam. Turn off your printer. After disconnecting the power cord and the USB cable, clear paper from the cassette. Pull out the jammed paper from different parts of the printer. After that, load the paper back and reconnect the cords.

Sticker Labeling Machines Manufacturer said...

Great story and very informative information giving this blog. Thanks you so much sharing. Siddhivinayak Engineering

nikki bella said...

Is your Canon printer not printing color? Check the printer settings. Enable 'Color printing.' Go to the 'Start' menu, tap 'Settings,' and click 'Printers and scanners.' You will see a list of printers. Choose a Canon printer. Hit the 'Properties' tab and see if 'Color printing' is turned on. If not, enable it.

nikki bella said...

If you find that the Canon printer is offline, verify printer power. First, turn on the printer. If it does not power on, look into the power cord connections. Reconnect the power cables on both sides. Now, turn on the printer by pressing the power button. You can also power cycle your printer and ensure that it is in the Ready state.

Altoindia said...

ALTO offers a wide range of comprehensive, scalable & seamlessly integrated lighting solutions.
magnetic tracks
Office Lighting
Profile light

enertia said...

ENERTIA is a creative Lighting Design practice of architectural specification lighting
RGB lighting
home automation
facade lighting india

enertia said...

Facade lighting refers to the practice of illuminating the exterior of a building.
led facade lighting
RGB lighting
home automation

Printer Helpdesk said...

Once you are done with this step by step process, you will be able to fix everything and get rid of a Canon Printer Offline issue. You will also be able to get your printer working normally again. Its very frustrating, you are really not able to print any document using your printer, you have to waste so much time to figure out the reason.

nikki bella said...

To troubleshoot an HP printer not printing color correctly, you can try cleaning the print heads and aligning the cartridges. You can also check the printer settings to ensure that the color options are set correctly.

techoprinter said...

Diagnose All The HP Printer Problems With Easy Solutions

Solution-Techoprinter

Go to the Windows search bar and type Run.Type “Control Panel” in the “Run” dialog to open the Control Panel.When Control Panel opens, select Devices and Printers.On the next printer list screen, right-click the HP printer icon and select Set as Default Printer.Now, after completing the above steps, if a green check appears under the HP printer icon, the job is complete.

nulls brawl said...

understand. All your hard work is much appreciated. . .. https://nullbrawl.net/

Houseware Mould said...

Excellent blog. R D Mould & Industries is a leading Houseware Mould Manufacturer, Supplier & Exporter of Plastic Food Container Mould

Jinx Manga said...

Jinx Manga At present, there is fierce competition among different brands offering similar products. Bahr Tiles and Ceramics, a long-standing producer of these items, has consistently focused on maintaining exceptional product quality that meets global standards. By employing top-notch materials and advanced technology, we ensure that our valued customers are fully satisfied with our brand. Jinx Manga




Nidhi Patil said...

Combat Air Pollution Effectively with state-of-the-art Air Pollution Control Devices from Powertech India. We are creating cleaner and safer environments for a sustainable future.

johnson said...

This is an excellent post! It contains a wealth of useful and pertinent information. I like the way you organised your thoughts and ideas. It's very easy to read and understand. I appreciate the time and effort you put into writing this post.
file uncontested divorce virginia
ley de divorcio de nueva jersey

Techissue said...

How to stop unwanted pop-ups on Chrome/Firefox

Solution- Techissue

One of the biggest distractions on the internet is pop-up ads. They break focus, can be hard to shut down at times, and most people hate them. While they come in new and different forms these days — cookie notifications, auto-playing videos that follow you around the screen

Techoprinter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Himanshi said...

Jade Homes present an efficient Home Construction Cost Calculator. Consider materials, labour, and other factors to get accurate estimates for your dream home project. Simplify your planning with Jade Homes.

Dipti Malhotra said...

Find the Best Engineering College in Punjab with detailed info on top universities, courses, exams, and more at engineering4india.com. Propel your engineering career in Punjab!

Dipti Malhotra said...

Amritsar Law College offers a top-notch LLB course in Punjab, providing comprehensive legal education and shaping aspiring law professionals with excellence.

Alice danny said...

how-to-stop-spam-on-gmail-outlook-and-other-free-email

Alice danny said...

how-to-stop-junk-mail

Alice danny said...

Why Am I Unable to Open an E-mail Attachment?

Alice danny said...

how-to-change-your-email-signature-on-an-iphone

Alice danny said...

How to Change the WiFi Password on Spectrum: 14 Steps

shane said...

Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article.Really looking forward to read more. I really enjoy this website.
Divorce Lawyers Spotsylvania VA
Divorce Lawyers Great Falls VA
Divorce Lawyers CulpeperVA

Anonymous said...

Delve into the mastery of time-tested energy healing techniques and the continuous pursuit of knowledge that sets Healing Buddha apart.
pranic healing
pranic healing

theglobalhues said...

The Global Hues is at the forefront of driving meaningful change. Join us as we highlight the individuals and initiatives that are catalysts for progress in various industries.

theglobalhues

Hazel Parker said...

Are you looking to study in Australia? The Student Visa Subclass 500available through Way2oz, offers a fantastic opportunity for international students to pursue their education. Apply now for a world-class education experience!

Megha Sharma said...

Amplify your presentations' reach and impact with our curated PPT Submission Sites. Enhance online visibility and engagement effortlessly.

Tanvi said...

Discover top-tier Surgical Equipment at DDK Health Care. We provide a comprehensive range of cutting-edge tools and devices, ensuring excellence in surgical procedures. Elevate your healthcare practice with DDK's quality equipment.

Ambika Sharma said...

SEO Khazana Services is your trusted Wordpress Development Company in Mathura. Elevate your online presence with our expert WordPress solutions.

AdamStack01 said...

Do You Want to know about Allegiant flight change policy Let me explain the procedure if you want to comprehend a flight change policy. Imagine yourself as an inquisitive traveller eager to organise your trip with some degree of flexibility

BIM Home Studio said...

you are right and great post share with us., thank you so much. I Have also website please Visit Scan to bim services

the best curtain shop in gurgaon said...

Discover the best curtain shop in gurgaon. Soft furnishing can bring a different life to your home with the introduction of color and texture. Everything you need to adorn your house is available in our Gurgaon home décor store, including luxurious cushion covers, bed linens, sofa fabrics, curtains, and other furnishings.