BY SCOTT STIFFLER
Redd Tale Theatre Company has carved out a nice little niche by taking the road less traveled when it comes to doing what’s been done before.
Founded in 1993, artistic director Will Le Vasseur chose as his inaugural project the work of another hungry boy genius (Orson Wells’ 1938 prank-turned-ugly radio production of “War of the Worlds”). Since then, they’ve burrowed into the root system of NYC theater with well-received takes on “Macbeth” and Chekhov’s “The Swan Song.”
The common thread in their output is a commitment to “provide enlightening, entertaining sci-fi theatrical experiences that contribute to humanity’s next step forward.” To make good on that fine mission statement, Redd Tale is celebrating its fifth season with a July/August calendar crammed with events centered around the theme of creation. The marquee event is a double bill of two original one-acts.
“Frankenstein with Mary Shelley” features Chelsea’s own Virginia Bartholomew (who portrays the author, and also authored the piece — a tight re-telling of the original Shelley story as told by the Creation, and Mary Shelley herself). Will Le Vasseur’s “Gabriel” takes the Frankenstein myth and gives it a modern spin by casting the mad Dr. F as a geneticist who unlocks a vital clue to our evolution (and, in doing so, creates a future version of himself).
That’s not the only food for thought Redd Tale has on its plate. Their “Summer of Creation” series also features a series of very affordable $5 events: “The Science of Massage” on Aug. 9, 16 and 23 (at 8pm) and Aug. 14 and 21 (at 7pm). Then, it’s the “Sci-Fi Festival” at 7pm on Aug. 7. “Doctor Who Marathon Nights!” take place on Aug. 8, 15 and 22 (at 8pm). Finally, Redd Tale comes full circle with their acclaimed “War Of The Worlds Radio Show” on Aug. 24 (at 8pm).
“Frankenstein” and “Gabriel” play Aug. 4-27. Thurs. through Sat. at 8pm; matinees on Sat. at 2pm. At Nicu’s Spoon Theater (38 W. 38th St., btw. 5th & 6th Aves.). For tickets ($10-15), call 212-868-4444 or visit smarttix.com.
For info on all of these events, and more interesting stuff, visit reddtale.org.
