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“It is true, we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another.”

- Mary Shelley – Frankenstein

Is it irony or fate that the best words I have found to describe the one act process just so happen to come from Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”? These incredible kids have sacrificed so much of their time and energy, missing out on social events and activities, all to become a community of monsters attached to one another, creating this beautifully horrific story.

I was first introduced to “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” by Rona Munro in 2022. From the moment I saw it, directing the show has been a dream. So much beauty and depth, the script takes the classic story of monster and creator and adds in the story’s creator, and by doing so asks the question “which of the three is truly the monster?”

As for the lights… Rewind to 2015 as I was watching “So You Think You Can Dance” (the source for many of my favorite directing concepts) and a piece by Travis Wall was performed. It has come to be known as the “Ghost Light” dance and in it, all the dancers carry with them their own light source. Since that night I have wanted to use this idea for a show, but UIL rules would only allow for 6 lights to be added to show past what the host school was providing. It seemed it would never come to be… until September of this year when the Director of UIL Theatre announced a change in the rule. How exciting that this idea could now become a reality… and it just so happened that we had just selected the perfect script! Talk about fate.

One of the best parts about the kids in Paschal Theatre is their complete trust and faith in the directors. Sure, there may be moments when they think we have lost our minds, but they are always willing to place that apprehension to the side and fully buy into the ideas we present them with. Such was the case with this show and this concept. There were a few “These are the ONLY lights?” moments, much like last years “we are painting EVERYTHING white?” moments, but they quickly bought in, and the result is the stunning piece of art you get to witness tonight.

To my amazing kids… You are in inspiration and are the reason that my career never feels like a job. To my Seniors… you have created a legacy that will live on long after you walk the stage in May. The future successes of this program will be built on the foundation you have laid. To Clemmons… you are a joy and a blessing to work with and you have helped us level up this year, lock that in. To my wife and boys… All of this is for you. I hope I make you proud and I can’t wait for rehearsal time to become family time! Shuffle the cards and deal me in.

And now it is time for Mary to “set the story up” one more time, for us to bring this monster of a story screaming to life before we say, “that’s enough now, [we’ll’] give [it] the mercy of death.”

Weesner