Frankenstein Slept Here: The New Play by Clarke Cast and Crew

This past weekend, Clarke’s student-run theater organization, Clarke Cast and Crew, performed their spring play, Frankenstein Slept here by Tim Kelly. The production was directed, cast, and performed by Clarke Students. 

The play follows a group of monsters living in Frankenstein’s castle when the owner pays a surprise visit. The cast featured several familiar names, including Maria Mustafa ’26 as Baroness Frankenstein, a descendant of the original scientist who created Frankenstein; Sara Theisen ’26 as the Monster, who is being assembled throughout the play; and Evelyn Lee ’27 as Medusa. 

The show was co-directed by Kayla Weller ‘26 and Royal Hart ’27, and performances were held in Terence Donaghue Hall on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The production was a great success and showcased the creativity and dedication of Clarke students.  

Additional notable characters included the Invisible Man, also played by Sara Theisen; the Werewolf, portrayed by Cam Newbold; and Jacqueline Hyde, played by Sophia Wilson. One of the funniest moments in the play is when the werewolf, who, notably, no one in the castle particularly likes, is fought by the Invisible Man. Cam did a fantastic job fighting with thin air and it was only her first performance.

Clarke Cast and Crew (CCC) was formed in the fall of 2023, following the disbandment of Clarke’s long-standing Theatre Department. Clarke previously offered degrees in Drama and Musical Theatre, but these were phased out in 2018 due to low enrollment. CCC was created to revive theatre on campus through student-led productions. The currentexecutive board includes Sophia Wilson as president, Sara Theisen as Vice president, Emily Manneman as secretary, Kayla Weller as treasurer, and Brenna Burgart as the Faculty Advisor. Sophia, Sara, and Kayla all played a huge role in getting the CCC up and running. Their goal is to give theatrical opportunities to the students of Clarke University, whether on or off stage. 

Their first performance, The Eggscrutiating Dinner: A Hare-Raising Murder Mystery, was held in the spring 2024. The play was written and directed by Sara Theisen ’26 and Kayla Weller ’26 and took place in Jansen Music Hall due to construction in Terence Donaghoe Hall.

In addition to its original works and spring productions, CCC has collaborated with Clarke’s Music Department and The Tenth Muse on The Tenth Musical in 2024. Looking ahead, CCC also plans to host another production in the upcoming year.