Theatre Review: San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein

San Francisco Ballet and The Royal Ballet bring Mary Shelley’s classic horror novel to the stage like you’ve never seen or heard before. For a limited run October 2 – 5, 2025 at Segerstrom Hall in the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

The Creature has been brought to life in this interpretation through dance. Choreographed by the late Liam Scarlett, San Francisco Ballet brings Frankenstein to Orange County. Scarlett called this work “a story of betrayal, curiosity, life, death, and above all, love… a Gothic love story … with an emphasis on exploring what it means to be human.”

In this Southern California premiere, audiences will be captivated by the stunning choreography, costumes, special effects, pyrotechnics, and a haunting original score performed by Pacific Symphony, that intensifies the dark and dramatic atmosphere. Frankenstein is horrified and repulsed by what actually comes alive on the operating table. As if the Creature understands his precarious existence and the unsightly horror others see in him, he proceeds to seek vengeance on Frankenstein and those he loves. Depth of this production reaching beyond the story that has been retold in countless variations.

A brilliant yet reckless scientist, Victor Frankenstein is consumed by the idea of creating life. His fixation alienates him from his loved ones and leads to devastating consequences. As his experiment spirals into unforeseen horror, Victor’s inner turmoil and descent into despair form the emotional core of the ballet.

Victor’s devoted fiancée, Elizabeth embodies love, innocence, and steadfastness. As she grows into a woman, she serves as Victor’s emotional anchor, attempting to pull him back from his self-destructive path. However, she ultimately becomes a victim of his dark ambition.

Brought to life by Victor’s unnatural experiment, the Creature is both tragic and terrifying. Initially filled with childlike curiosity, it longs for acceptance but is met with fear and rejection. Consumed by loneliness and rage, the Creature turns to revenge, forcing Victor to confront the cost of his actions.

Victor’s companion, Henry Clerval, represents emotional warmth and reason. Victor’s father, Alphonse, embodies wisdom and concern. Victor’s loving mother, Caroline represents the ideals of family, providing a stark contrast to the cold, scientific world Victor later immerses himself in. Loss and obsession with conquering death and the natural order, plays a significant role in motivating Victor’s experiments.

Justine grows up alongside Victor and Elizabeth as the family servant and ultimately becomes the devoted governess of Victor’s younger brother, William. William becomes an early casualty of the Creature’s wrath marking a turning point, as Victor realizes the terrible reach of his experiment’s consequences. Justine’s tragic fate highlights themes of injustice and the far-reaching destruction caused by Victor’s secrecy.

San Francisco Ballet “Frankenstein” is a gripping masterpiece in visual storytelling through interpretive dance and stellar music. The silent display of emotional turmoil plays very well hand in hand like a live silent movie remarkably appropriate for a Gothic romance. From the orchestra seating level, the intricate dance movements are on full display and stunning synchronization. The riveting stage is engrossed in functional costumes and dramatic set design. Leave your expectation of Frankenstein in Hollywood movies, this ballet focuses more on the emotional core of life and death.

Castles and grave robbing prove to be unnecessary. The Creature is depicted with more depth than ever before disregarding signs of mental abnormalities. The third act culminates in dance sequences of flashbacks, hallucinations, and heartbreak. The final dance engulfed in passionate pain, exhausting fear, and unwavering despair manifested through blossoming love, desperate compassion, and utter betrayal. The final image a jaw dropping impression against a moving background of painted flames. The heart and soul awestruck from the tragic love of human desire.

San Francisco Ballet, led by artistic director Tamara Rojo, is a world-leading ballet company and a trailblazing commissioner, collaborator, and presenter in dance. With a deep commitment to new and contemporary works and the classical repertoire. Founded in 1933, the company staged the first full-length American productions of Coppélia (1938) and Swan Lake (1940) and, in 1944, we launched an annual holiday tradition when we produced the first full-length production of The Nutcracker in the U.S. Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo.

Executive Director, Branislav Henselmann. Choreographer, Liam Scarlett. Composer, Lowell Liebermann. Staging, Lauren Strongin and Joseph Walsh. Scenic and Costume Design, John Macfarlane.

San Francisco Ballet “Frankenstein” performs at Segerstrom Hall for a limited time October 2–5, 2025. Thursday & Friday at 7:30 pm. Saturday at 2 & 7:30 pm. Sunday at 1 pm.

For more information on the production, story, characters, dancers, and creative team, visit https://segerstrom.ihub.app/c/2-sf-ballets-frankenstein/feed

For tickets, dates, and times, visit https://www.scfta.org/