Metamorphosis - Frank Theatre

Synopsis

Metamorphosis takes a new look at the life of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman, who wakes one morning to find that he has been transformed into a ?monstrous vermin.? Life just isn’t the same after that.

The reviews are in.

“When Frank Theatre couldn’t get the rights to a recent, critically-acclaimed adaptation of Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” they decided to create their own. And what a fortuitous decision that was. The collaboration between Wendy Knox and her company has produced a truly idiosyncratic, brilliant and enthralling piece of work….This kaleidoscope of grotesques…Every aspect of this production evokes the moral decay of these characters, from John Bueche’s moldering set to Kathy Koll’s ironic costume touches, like a rotting coat and a skeletal top hat, to Kari Olson’s bleak, often nightmarish lighting….Given the sheer power and imaginative depth of this production, not getting the rights to the adaptation Frank Theatre wanted was clearly no loss at all.” http://www.startribune.com/

Frank Theatre taps Kafka’s horrific humor in a new “Metamorphosis”

“Open Eye is the perfect venue for this creepy tale, and John Bueche’s set effectively turns the little Open Eye proscenium into the door between a cramped kitchen and the little bedroom where Gregor is pitiably trapped. Kathy Kohl’s costume design is eye-popping…incorporating grotesque puppets by Virginia Burke. Michael Croswell’s live music isn’t just background; it’s integral to the production, and it wraps the performers in a spine-tingling soundscape. Frank’s Metamorphosis is bracingly true to Kafka’s dark vision, a production that sizzles with thrillingly dreadful life.” –http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2010/04/10/theater-frank-theatre-taps-kafkas-horrific-humor-new-metamorphosis

Frank Theatre’s ‘Metamorphosis’ probes Kafka’s absurdist heart

An able and game cast takes “Metamorphosis” and its absurdities head on here… The whole production has an absurdist tone and look, as if F.W. Murnau had decided to tackle Kafka’s story. The company, director Wendy Knox and set designer John Bueche all push forward with this idea, quickly transporting us into the heart of the story. Still, there are chances for deeper connections, which the cast — especially Tessa Flynn as sister Greta — do with great skill.” –http://www.minnpost.com/

“snappy, impeccably-acted, funny, yet human telling of this well-known tale of alienation… All performances meet if not exceed the high standard I’ve come to expect from Frank Theater.. Michael Croswell’s music and sound effects are also noteworthy, at times almost becoming a sixth actor in the production. The incidental music makes one appropiratiely uneasy, and key effects like the slamming and locking of Gregor’s bedroom door each time it’s opened and shut and the downright disgusting chomping and sawing sounds that accompany the other characters’ eating all contribute to a Kafkaesque (I had to slip that in somewhere) experience that — when all is said and done — makes for a wonderful evening of entertainment I can recommend without equivocation.” –http://www.howwastheshow.com/index.cfm/action/reviews.view/reviewKey/1293

Pioneer Press, “Frank Theatre transforms Kafka’s METAMORPHOSIS”
http://www.twincities.com/stage/ci_14869006

City Pages Blog: Frank Theatre’s “Metamorphosis”: The humor of nightmares, http://blogs.citypages.com/dressingroom/2010/04/frank_theatres.php