Theater looks, to put it slightly, a little different than it used to, however do not make the mistake of thinking it’s ceased altogether. Broadway closures are taking a significant toll on the market, but as Stephen Sondheim’s 90th-birthday YouTube tribute showed, you just can’t keep a bunch of theater followers down.One of the
delightful new possibilities is viewing previous theater productions including incredible talent. This Thursday, as part of its National Theatre in your home series, London’s National Theatre is streaming a 2011 production of Nick Dear’s Frankenstein. Benedict Cumberbatch plays Frankenstein’s development, and Jonny Lee Miller plays Frankenstein himself– some of the time, that is, since the two stars seamlessly alternate in between parts for the weeklong run of the program, which is helmed by Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire, and Steve Jobs director Danny Boyle.Initial examines for
Boyle’s production of Frankenstein were exceptional, with calling it”a humane, smart retelling of the initial story in which much of the focus is on the plight of the compulsive researcher’s sad creation, who becomes his alter ego and his nemesis.”noted:”Cumberbatch nails Frankenstein’s air of natural superiority, and he makes heartbreaking the Animal’s aching look for wisdom and empathy.” It’s hard to find much of a silver lining in the coronavirus pandemic forcing theaters to close their doors, but it could be a democratizing minute for the industry: A production from the archive, which would have commanded large ticket rates, will be easily offered to the general public, with audiences worldwide getting to take pleasure in Cumberbatch and Miller’s performances without even leaving their homes. Previous installations of the series have actually consisted of Richard Bean’s One Male, 2 Guvnors, starring James Corden( who won a Tony Award for the efficiency), and Twelfth Night, including Tamsin Greig as Malvolia.You can stream Frankenstein on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel at 2 p.m. ET starting on Thursday, April 30.
