Frankenstein

Theatre Lunatico’s Tales From Behind the Basement Door presents Frankenstein

“The foreshadowing is delicious.”
Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle

Written by Tina Taylor, an adaptation of the novel by Mary Shelley
Directed by Lauri Smith

“Under the direction of Lauri Smith, the Berkeley company inspires heebie-jeebies with tools that Shelley — or humankind’s first storytellers, gathered round a campfire — would recognize.”
Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle

There’s Frankenstein, and there’s Frankenstein’s monster. But what about the cast of women who originally populated Mary Shelley’s landmark work of science fiction and horror?

This Fall, Theatre Lunatico’s Tales From Behind the Basement Door series revives these women’s stories – sidelined in recent major film versions – and brings them to the forefront. Tina Taylor’s world premiere adaptation of FRANKENSTEIN emphasizes the female experience as well as Shelley’s investigation and critique of unchecked contemporary scientific exploration. All the while the terror and pathos of Frankenstein and his Creature remain central to the story. Under the direction of core company member Lauri Smith, the ensemble cast will bring this evening of fright and feminist theatre TO LIFE!

“Elsewhere, their syncopated puffs of breath and moaning in the dark help create a world where a vengeful bogeyman could reach out of the shadows at any moment to snuff out life.”
Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle

The ensemble cast includes Tyler Aguallo, Liam Blaney, Rachel Brown, Sarah Dunnavant, Sarah Jiang, Jennifer Green, Sam Heft-Luthy, and Shawn Oda

October 11 - November 2, 2025
Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30PM | Sundays at 3PM
La Val’s Subterranean Theater: 1834 Euclid Ave., Berkeley, CA
Below La Val's Pizza
*Post-performance talkbacks on Sunday, October 12, and Sunday, October 19. 

This show contains violence and other material that may be sensitive to some viewers, particularly young audience members. Age recommendation: ages 13 & up.

Lunatico Pricing – Pay what you can, no one turned away for lack of funds, but donations gladly accepted. Suggested donations: $15-$50 to help pay for production costs

Special deals on beer & Happy Hour menu for pre-reserved ticket holders.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Michael Barr, Liam Blaney, Rachel Brown, Devon deGroot, Aella Ney, Lauri Smith, Elana Swartz, Éssa Vilanue, Umut Yalcinkaya, and Bessie Zolno

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Unfortunately La Val’s Subterranean Theatre is not wheelchair accessible. Access via the alley is possible when pre-arranged with 48 hours notice, but still requires navigating several steps and walking on an uneven surface through the alley behind the pizzeria. Call (510) 734-4177 to arrange.

🎟️ Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
Come early to enjoy the spooky vibe, grab your favorite seat, and take advantage of La Val’s Happy Hour specials for pre-reserved ticket holders.
Note: Late seating is not possible. This is an immersive performance, and once the show begins, the doors will be closed. No refunds for latecomers.

Theatre Lunatico is a fully vaccinated and boosted company. All audience members are requested to be fully vaccinated and masking is optional inside the theater. Performers will be unmasked during the performance. We reserve the right to change our policy in order to comply with federal, state and local requirements.