Two Sherlock Holmes actors – Jonny Lee Miller, the star of ABC’s Elementary, and Benedict Cumberbatch, star of the BBC/PBS series Sherlock – star in Mary Shelley’s classic tale Frankenstein at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House on Friday and Saturday. This captured live in high definition stage play was filmed during live performances at London’s National Theatre during the production’s award-winning 2012 run. It was directed by Academy Award-winning Director Danny Boyle.

The production is unique in that Miller and Cumberbatch were dual-cast in the roles of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. The Opera House will screen the production twice, showing each actor’s interpretation of the roles. Cumberbatch stars as the Creature in the 7:30 p.m. performance tonight. Miller plays the Creature in the Saturday, 1 p.m. matinee performance.

Best Director Oscar winner for Slumdog Millionaire, Boyle returned to London’s National Theatre to direct this visionary production of a new play by Nick Dear based on Shelley’s novel. Captured live in high definition over the course of two performances, this ingenious production earned Miller and Cumberbatch a pair of Olivier Awards for Best Actor for their alternating performances. (The Olivier Award is England’s equivalent of the U.S.’s Tony Award.)

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered monster is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Told from the Creature’s point of view, the production marks Boyle’s return to the stage after a 15-year absence in which he made films (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire). And even though Boyle keeps the drama set in the early 19th century, it clearly has 21st century resonance, as society is still troubled by people who differ from what is perceived to be the norm both politically and cosmetically.

Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale.

Tickets to Frankenstein are $15 ($10 Students) and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. They also may be purchased online any time at www.fredopera.org. Due to its mature nature, this production is not recommended for children.

This program is made possible by Dr. James M. and Marcia Merrins, who funded the purchase of the satellite transmission and projection equipment used in the screening. Support also comes from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County.