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by Michael Portantiere

The Monster Bash

  • THE MONSTER BASH

    Is there room in this town for two musicals based on Frankenstein, the classic novel by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley? We'll know very soon! The much-talked-about Mel Brooks extravaganza Young Frankenstein is set to open on Broadway on November 12; but Frankenstein, an Off-Broadway tuner with music by Mark Baron and book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson, beat the other show to the punch when it opened last night at the 37 Arts Theater. Here are some photos from the opening party at Studio 450.

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    Steve Blanchard and William Suretté, photo by Michael Portantiere

    Steve Blanchard gives a moving, beautifully sung performance as the Creature. Here he is with actor/singer/model William Suretté, whose image is featured in the logo art for the show.

    Hunter Foster and Jennifer Cody, photo by Michael Portantiere

    Hunter Foster plays the tragic Victor Frankenstein, but he was in great spirits at the party in the company of his lovely wife, Jennifer Cody.

    Mandy Bruno and Jim Stanek, photo by Michael Portantiere

    Mandy Bruno and Jim Stanek, who play Justine Moritz and Henry Clerval, posed with an action figure of the traditional Frankenstein monster.

    Mark Baron and Jeffrey Jackson, photo by Michael Portantiere

    Here's a shot of the show's authors, Mark Baron and Jeffrey Jackson.

    Sandy Duncan and Zeljko Ivanek, Photo by Michael Portantiere

    Among the notables in attendance at the party: Sandy Duncan (Peter Pan) and Zeljko Ivanek (The Pillowman)...

    Mark Zimmerman and Dee Hoty, photo by Michael Portantiere

    Here's Mark Zimmerman, president of Actors' Equity, with Dee Hoty, late of Lone Star Love.

    Robert Cuccioli, photo by Michael Portantiere

    Robert Cuccioli, who also survived the Lone Star Love debacle and who'll soon be starring in Man of La Mancha at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, made the rounds at the party.

    Mark Sendroff and Ben Mostyn, photo by Michael Portantiere

    Here's entertainment lawyer Mark Sendroff with actor Ben Mostyn.

    Jared Bradshaw and friends, photo by Michael Portantiere

    And here's Jared Bradshaw (center), one of the stars of Forbidden Broadway: Rude Awakening, with friends.


    Published on Friday, November 2, 2007


    Michael Portantiere has more than 30 years' experience as an editor and writer for TheaterMania.com, InTHEATER magazine, and BACK STAGE. He has interviewed theater notables for NPR.org, PLAYBILL, STAGEBILL, and OPERA NEWS, and has written notes for several cast albums. Michael is co-author of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: BEHIND THE MYLAR CURTAIN, published in 2008 by Hal Leonard/Applause. Additionally, he is a professional photographer whose pictures have been published by THE NEW YORK TIMES, the DAILY NEWS, and several major websites. (Visit www.followspotphoto.com for more information.) He can be reached at [email protected]


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