On stage at the War Memorial Opera House from March 20–26, Frankenstein will return for an encore run April 26–May 4 and travel to Orange County this fall
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) March 13, 2025—San Francisco Ballet (SF Ballet) today announced details for its upcoming production of Frankenstein, a thrilling adaptation of the literary sci-fi classic that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. Based on the iconic 1818 novel by British author Mary Shelley, this eagerly anticipated program—returning to San Francisco for the first time since 2018—delves deep into themes of creation, identity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, while promising to enthrall audiences with its blend of sensational choreography, haunting music, electrifying pyrotechnics, and dramatic storytelling. In addition to its run in March, the production will close the 2025 Repertory Season at the War Memorial Opera House with an encore run of performances from April 26 to May 4.
“Frankenstein is a monumental piece, melding classical technique with demanding dramatic acting roles and a cinematic, immersive visual approach,” said SF Ballet Artistic Director Tamara Rojo. “In bringing Mary Shelley’s classic to the stage, the work explores fundamental questions of humanity and hubris, amplifying the existential, gothic drama in the way only ballet can.”
Choreographed by Liam Scarlett, an artist renowned for his innovative approach to classical ballet, this chilling rendition of Shelley’s gothic masterpiece transports audiences to the heart of 18th-century Geneva, where Victor Frankenstein’s quest for scientific discovery unleashes a chain of events that challenge the very essence of humanity. Set against a backdrop of atmospheric sets and evocative lighting, every scene is meticulously crafted to immerse audiences in Frankenstein’s tumultuous journey, from eerie laboratories to majestic ballrooms.
The ballet also features a powerful score by Composer Lowell Liebermann, whose haunting melodies underscore the narrative’s visceral intensity. The timeless music for Frankenstein will be performed live by the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Ballet Orchestra under Music Director & Principal Conductor Martin West. In 2021, SF Ballet Orchestra released a premiere live audio recording of the complete Liebermann score, the Orchestra’s fifth release with Reference Recordings that was lauded by critics as “a symphonic masterpiece.”
Principal casting for the March run of Frankenstein includes Max Cauthorn, Esteban Hernández, Aaron Robison, and Joseph Walsh as Victor Frankenstein; Cavan Conley, Joshua Jack Price, Victor Prigent, and Wei Wang as the Creature; and Dores André, Frances Chung, Sasha De Sola, and Jasmine Jimison as Elizabeth Lavenza. Hernández, Conley, Price, Prigent, and Jimison will be debuting their respective roles in this production. Casting for the encore performances will be announced later this spring.
This fall, SF Ballet will bring Frankenstein to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California from October 2–5, 2025. Additional details can be found in the touring announcement.
TICKETS & PERFORMANCE DATES
Frankenstein is onstage at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco from March 20–26 and April 26 to May 4. Tickets start at $35 (+ $14 per order handling fee) and are available for purchase at sfballet.org. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling Ticket Services at 415-865-2000, open Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm. Casting and prices are subject to change.
Thursday, March 20 at 7:30pm
Friday, March 21 at 8:00pm
Saturday, March 22 at 2:00pm
Saturday, March 22 at 8:00pm
Sunday, March 23 at 2:00pm
Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30pm
Frankenstein Encore:
Saturday, April 26 at 8:00pm
Sunday, April 27 at 2:00pm
Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, April 30 at 7:30pm
Thursday, May 1 at 7:30pm
Friday, May 2 at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 3 at 2:00pm
Saturday, May 3 at 8:00pm
Sunday, May 4 at 2:00pm
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Choreographer: Liam Scarlett
Composer: Lowell Liebermann
Staged by: Lauren Strongin and Joseph Walsh
Scenic and Costume Design: John Macfarlane
Lighting by: David Finn
Projection Design: Finn Ross
Novel by: Mary Shelley
World Premiere: May 4, 2016—The Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House; London, England
SF Ballet Premiere: February 17, 2017—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
Frankenstein is a co-production of San Francisco Ballet and The Royal Ballet.
CONTACT
Public Relations, San Francisco Ballet
press@sfballet.org
To access press images, please register via the link here: https://photos.sfballet.org/
ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO BALLET
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, SF Ballet is a catalyst for the future of ballet, investing in commissions and acquisitions; presenting established and emerging choreographers with a breadth of viewpoints; uplifting dancers, artists, and creatives across disciplines; and cultivating the next generation of the world’s top dancers in its School.