Long Beach, CA, September 20, 2014 /PressReleasePing/ – On October 23, 2014 Frankenstein The Musical will make its West Coast Debut after a brief stint Off-Broadway in 2007. In the role of Elizabeth Lavenza who later becomes Elizabeth Frankenstein, is actress, Shannon Cudd.
In the original Mary Shelley novel, Victor Frankenstein describes his future wife, as follows: „She was docile and good tempered, yet gay and playful as a summer insect. Although she was lively and animated, her feelings were strong and deep, and her disposition uncommonly affectionate. No one could better enjoy liberty, yet no one could submit with more grace than she did to constraint and caprice. Her imagination was luxuriant, yet her capability of application was great. Her person was the image of her mind; her hazel eyes, although as lively as a bird’s, possessed an attractive softness. Her figure was light and airy; and, though capable of enduring great fatigue, she appeared the most fragile creature in the world. While I admired her understanding and fancy, I loved to tend on her, as I should on a favourite animal; and I never saw so much grace both of person and mind united to so little pretension.“
196 years after Shelley’s creation first was read, Art-In-Relation, a new, Long Beach based theatre company, faithfully brings Frankenstein to life again, but in a way not seem by many. Through the lens of Operatic Steampunk, this version has music by Mark Baron, lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson, and a book by Jackson and Gary P. Cohen in a production which also stars Ray Buffer as The Creature and Jonas Sills as Victor Frankenstein.
Shannon is thrilled to be a part of this West Coast Premiere production of Frankenstein: the Musical. You may have seen her in one of her numerous commercial or independent film appearances. Some past favorite musical roles include Prissy Andrews in Anne of Green Gables: the Musical, Donna Bunson in The Brain from Planet X, and Sally Brown in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown.
Cudd is a Southern California native who was exposed to the arts at an early age by my parents. This led her to develop her craft through choirs, school, and community productions. Highlights include many performances at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with Pacific Chorale Children’s Chorus such as Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and the annual ‚Tis the Season. She also studied at South Coast Repertory in the Youth Conservatory.
Cudd received her Bachelors of Arts in Theatre from Chapman University. While at Chapman, she appeared in American Celebration and in numerous film projects in the Marion Knott Studio. Outside of school, she has appeared on numerous stages throughout the Orange County and Los Angeles County areas, including the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Irvine Barclay Theatre, The Chance Theater, Downey Civic Light Opera, The Gardenia, and NoHo Arts Theatre.
Cudd currently resides in the Los Angeles area pursuing her career in film, television, and theatre. She currently studies with Stuart K. Robinson, Chris Game and Saxon Trainor (Annie Grindlay Studios). Cudd is a proud member of The Actors Network. When not on the stage or screen, she teaches and loves sharing the arts with a new generation.
Critics love Shannon Cudd:
„Shannon Cudd impresses as Anne’s classmate.“ – Steven Stanley, Stage Scene LA, Anne of Green Gables
„Shannon Cudd and Andrea Paquin etch distinctive portraits as classmates of Anne.“ – Eric Marchese Orange County Register, Anne of Green Gables
„A very funny story and representation by Cudd, Whaley and Long of a Kimmel recording of the renowned McGuire Sisters doing „Getting Married Today“ from Company“ – Don Grigware BroadwayWorld.com, Kritzerland at the Gardenia: The Sondheim Albums
„Some of the evenings brightest performances come from its supporting cast of twenty-nine . . .the adorable Roth and Shannon Cudd duet „There’s A Small Hotel.““ – Steven Stanley, Stage Scene LA, Rogers and Hart: A Celebration
„An all around fantastic cast . . .bubbly Cudd and too-cool Diaz get an A+ on their high school make- out exam.“ – Steven Stanley, Stage Scene LA, The Brain from Planet X
„In the hands of a lesser company, this show could be tedious, but at The Chance, it sparkles. Noteworthy are Shannon Cudd as the libidinous daughter.“ – Stan Jenson, Blade Magazine, The Brain from Planet X
„The Chance, as might be expected, has assembled an excellent cast. Shannon Cudd is very good as Anne’s classmate.“ – Steven Stanley, Stage Scene LA, Anne of Green Gables
Frankenstein A New Musical AKA Frankenstein The Musical (but not Young Frankenstein!) is a serious-minded musical based on Mary Shelley’s 19th-century novel about playing God by bringing the dead back to life.
Learn more about Shannon at www.ShannonCudd.com,and purchase tickets to see Frankenstein The Musical at Brown Paper Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/778164 or by phone at 1(800)838-3006.
Frankenstein The Musical runs 10/23 through 11/1 at Ernest Borgnine Theatre, 855 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813.
Press Contact:
James Borden
Art-In-Relation
855 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813
3109298129
http://www.artinrelation.com