MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

By David Catlin
Directed by Foster Solomon

October 9 – November 1, 2026
Virginia Rep’s Theatre Gym, 114 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220

⚡ Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.

Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking novel comes to electrifying life in David Catlin’s bold theatrical adaptation of Frankenstein.

On a stormy night, Mary Shelley begins to tell a ghost story—and conjures a world of ambition, creation, love, and devastating consequence. As Victor Frankenstein pursues the impossible and brings life to a creature assembled from the dead, creator and creation become locked in a struggle that asks what it truly means to be human.

Inventive, visceral, and deeply theatrical, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein brings Shelley herself into the heart of her legendary tale, exploring the forces that shaped both the young writer and the monster that has haunted our imaginations for more than two centuries.

This fall, Richmond Shakespeare transforms the intimate Theatre Gym into a world of shadow, science, and suspense for a Frankenstein unlike any you’ve experienced before.

Some monsters are created. Others are made.

Special Performances

Audio description performance in partnership with Virginia Voice on October 18 at 2p.

Sunday, October 18 | Following the 2:00 PM Matinee

Join Richmond Shakespeare for a special post-show conversation with the cast of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, moderated by Addie Tsai, an acclaimed writer, professor at William & Mary, and lifelong student of Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking novel.

Tsai is the author of Unwieldy Creatures, a queer Asian retelling of Frankenstein and a Shirley Jackson Award finalist, as well as co-creator of Victor Frankenstein, a dance-theatre adaptation choreographed by Dominic Walsh Dance Theater. Having explored Frankenstein creatively for nearly three decades, Tsai brings a unique perspective to the novel’s themes of creation, identity, belonging, and what it means to be human.

Together with the cast, Tsai will explore the enduring power of Shelley’s story, the creative choices behind David Catlin’s theatrical adaptation, and why Frankenstein continues to inspire new interpretations more than 200 years after its publication.

Tips for Attending Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

We look forward to welcoming you to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at Virginia Rep’s Theatre Gym. Here are a few tips to help make your visit enjoyable.

Rated PG13

Recommended for ages 13 and up. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein contains mature themes, including grief and the loss of children, discussions of sex and depression, and theatrical depictions of violence, murder, and death. The production also contains moments of horror and suspense.

Location

Virginia Rep’s Theatre Gym
114 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220

The Theatre Gym is located within Virginia Repertory Theatre’s downtown Richmond campus.

Arrival

We encourage patrons to arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking, picking up tickets, and finding your seats.

The Theatre Gym is an intimate performance space, and performances begin promptly at the scheduled curtain time. Late seating may be limited or held until an appropriate break in the performance.

Running Time

The running time for Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will be announced closer to opening.

Mobile Devices

Please silence all cell phones and smart devices before the performance begins. Even a single ringtone or illuminated screen can be distracting to both the actors and your fellow audience members.

Photography, video, and audio recording are not permitted during the performance.

Food & Beverage

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Theatre Gym. Please follow any posted venue guidelines regarding beverages in the performance space.

Parking

Several parking options are available near Virginia Rep’s downtown campus. Because parking availability and restrictions may vary, we strongly encourage patrons to review Virginia Rep’s current parking information before arriving and allow additional time to park and walk to the theatre.

Accessibility

If you or a member of your party has accessibility needs, please contact Richmond Shakespeare in advance so we can help make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Make an Evening of It

Virginia Rep’s Theatre Gym is located in the heart of downtown Richmond, within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, and other destinations along Broad Street and in the surrounding Arts District. Consider arriving early for dinner or drinks before joining us at the theatre.

A Note About the Production

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein explores themes of death, grief, creation, abandonment, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The production contains theatrical depictions and discussion of death and violence and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Theatre Gym for David Catlin’s inventive and haunting reimagining of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece.

It’s alive. ⚡