Frankenstein
by R.N. Sandberg
Thanks to our corporate sponsors!
Astilia Chokanu-Wenholz
(She/They)
Justine/Mate/Mother
Astilia is an accomplished Denver actor who has performed in multiple shows in the Denver and New York area! Astilia's conservatory training has led them to have multiple skills including, but not limited to jazz dance, circus performance, pole, dialects and many more! They are currently seeking representation and are so happy to be a part of this incredible and fun show! Astilia would also like to thank their family, cast and crew for the support and this opportunity! Enjoy the show :)
Justin Davis (He/Him)
Victor Frankenstein
After portraying Dr. Van Helsing on the trail in last year's production of Dracula, Justin is thrilled to join Arts in the Open once again! Previous theatrical roles include Scrooge at the PACE center, Tom in BETC's The Glass Menagerie, Professor Porter in Tarzan: The Musical, and Jesus in Godspell. He recently directed a short student film of Death at the Crossroads, another take on the Dracula-vampire mythos. He has also done varying voiceover, emcee, film, and radio work. He once wrote and published a collection of ghost stories about a haunted old west Colorado town and counts Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as one of his favorite cautionary tales of love, loss, and grief - a reminder that, sometimes, humanity is its own greatest monster. Justin is grateful and honored to collaborate with his esteemed artist colleagues to spin this "tale-on-the-trails" for you; he is ever grateful to his friends and family for their continued love and support.
Hannah Embree (She/Her)
Elizabeth
Hannah recently graduated from Taylor University with a Bachelor's degree in Musical Theatre. Some of her recent acting credits include Witch #2 in Macbeth (Hoosier Shakes), Woman #2 in The Women of Lockerbie (Taylor University), and Miss Hannigan in Annie (Taylor University). Hannah is invested in theatrical work offstage as well. Her work in dramaturgy, theatre history/theory, and theatrical criticism has led to connections with creatives across the nation that have shaped her as an artist and a person. She is an Alaskan who is excited to explore the Colorado area and learn from new artists and communities.
Marlene Hall (They/Them)
The Creature
Marlene is beyond thrilled to be joining Arts In the Open for Frankenstein!! They studied theater at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and the University of Wyoming, graduating in the greatest year to ever happen: 2020. In their free time they enjoy roller skating, exploring downtown Denver, and absolutely destroying their friends at Mario Kart. Some of their favorite roles have been Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Snowy Range Summer Theater), Emerson in TEACH (Athena Arts) and Heather Macnamara in Heathers: The Musical (UWYO). They want to thank their friends, family, and partner for their love and support.
Tess James
Captain Walton/Father/Professor
Tess is incredibly excited to return to Arts in the Open as part of the cast of Frankenstein. Previously credited as Dr. Seward in last fall's production of Dracula: The Death of Nosferatu, this will be Tess's second play with Arts in the Open and with fellow actor Justin Davis. This couldn't be a more exciting opportunity!
Joaquin Aviña
(He/Him)
Director
Joaquin is a Denver-based director and is a founding board member of Arts in the Open (AO). He is happy to return to AO where previously he was a part of The Treasures of Toothless Jack, Ghosted: A Paranormal Mystery (playwright), The Oddest Sea, and The Hound of the Baskervilles (actor). Joaquin is very excited to bring this rendition of the classic Frankenstein story to life and thanks the cast and crew for following along on this journey of discovery. Joaquin would like to send a special thank you to Rebecca for her continued love and support
Patti Murtha (She/Her)
Stage Manager
Patti is excited to flex her management muscles with this amazing company she's been part of for over a decade. Shows she's written and/or directed include The Frog Princess, Cinderella and her Barely Godmother, and The Oddest Sea. On our "stage" she's been seen in The Three Little Pigs VS the Apocalypse, 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse, Alice in Wonderland, and Sleepy Hollow. Patti studied theater at Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers University) and the Maggie Flanigan Studio in NYC. She is a master ensemble theater teacher and spends much of her time making mud functional.
Rebecca Aviña (She/Her)
Costume/Props Designer
Rebecca is honored to be involved in Frankenstein, her 16th production with Arts in the Open. Some favorite Arts in the Open productions she’s designed include The Frog Princess, Dracula: The Death of Nosferatu, The Oddest Sea: Greek Gods & Giggles and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. She also designed the posters for the Arts in the Open 2022 season. Rebecca has a degree in Graphic Design and likes to create in many mediums, from painting to printmaking and pottery as well as sewing. Huge thanks to Patti Murtha and Joaquin Aviña for being amazing, supportive people who helped me so much this season!
Mercies May (He/Him)
Composer
Making his debut with Arts in the Open, Mercies May is largely known as a screenwriter and music video director but has recently found himself enamored with composing scores for film. A long-time admirer of Arts in the Open's annual programming, Mercies jumped at the chance to try his hand at music for Director Joaquin Aviña’s novel take on Frankenstein and took it as a sign he should create a hodge podge monster of his own in the recording studio.