Howls, grunts, screams, dramatic organ tones, and odd references to various pop music standards are all a part of the sound experience audiences are being treated to while watching Frankenstein “1930” running through October 21 at the Geauga Theater in Chardon. However, in this Geauga Lyric Theater Guild production, patrons will also see the sound effects.
Chardon resident Joshua (Josh) Suhy has designed sound for many previous GLTG shows from “the booth”. This time around, show director Marc Moritz has placed him onstage with the actors doing live sound effects as in the old days of radio and live vaudeville. With a mini keyboard and an assortment of noisy implements, Josh has joined Dr. Frankenstein in bringing a creation of his own to life.
Josh, who has always been a “behind the scenes” guy, has risen to the challenge and is enjoying the new dynamic of working with the crowd as well as the actors onstage.
“Rather than being a static element in the show, I become a part of it, I feed off the crowd’s reactions and energy as well as the flow of the play and the rhythm of the actors. Part of what makes the play so funny is the heavy reliance on the interplay with the cast. I had to study their movements and body language and to adapt their approach to my set up,” said Josh.
Audiences have responded very positively to him, having an opportunity to see how sound effects were made before the digital age. While Josh is never without his computer and other technical gadgets, thus marrying the past to the present, only a small number of effects are pre-recorded.
Meanwhile, the actors have had their own adjustments to make. “Josh is really another performer in this show, oddly removed and yet vitally connected to everything we do,” said Mark Miloro who plays Dr. Frankenstein’s friend Henry. “Our interactions with him are real crowd pleaser moments. He periodically steals the show. It’s been a blast working with him in this way.”
Josh acknowledges that the fun is not without its challenges. Having never been onstage before, he had to learn some acting technique and stage presence along with the usual work of designing, editing, and sometimes recording his own sounds. The show’s action relies heavily on him for cues and transitions, as well as for the numerous jokes strewn throughout the production.
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild’s Frankenstein “1930”, sponsored by Junction Auto Family, runs through October 21. Performances are at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $13.00 for students/senior, and special child rate for those 12 and younger of $8.00. Wear a costume during a Sunday matinee, and receive a free concession or $2.00 off any ticket priced $13.00 or more. This production is recommended for children 8 and older, however it is suggested that parents call with any questions regarding the content. The historic Geauga Theater is located on beautiful Chardon Square at 101 Water Street, in Chardon, Ohio. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the website or call the box office at 440-286-2255. “A Christmas Carol”, “Les Miserables” Skip Kelley Youth Production, “The Foreigner”, and “Cats” complete the 2012-2013 season. Season passes are still available, which offers a discount.
