The Monster he presents in the world premiere of Plan B's "Radio Hour: Frankenstein" is articulate and intelligent. "The theme that we saw in 'Frankenstein' is the theme of taking responsibility for the monster you've created," Bennett said of his radio play adaptation of an archetypal story. "Also, it's and incredible literary work."

The nearly 200 year-old story, which Mary Shelley published anonymously in 1818, revolves around a scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who creates a monster. The doctor is horrified at this creation, realizes he has made a mistake and flees, leaving the creature to fend for himself in an alien, unaccepting world.

Bennett's script focused and expanded on two elements found in Shelley's original story: the articulateness of the monster and Dr. Frankenstein's irresponsibility toward the actions of his creation.

"As old as a story as it is, freshly told I think it will challenge you to look inside yourself and began to cut away and take responsibility for those renegade parts of yourself," the playwright said.

Bennett's script was adapted from Shelley's original novel, which the British writer began after she and her writer friends challenged each other to write a ghost story while on vacation at Lord Byron's Switzerland estate.

That backstory helped make the story seem suited for a radio play. "Radio has that fireside feeling," Bennett said. "When all the story is coming at you through a little box or speakers it really ignites the imagination in a specific, intense way."

The Plan-B cast features radio host Doug Fabrizio playing Dr. Frankenstein, with actor Tobin Atkinson playing the Monster and Dr. Frankenstein's father, and Jay Perry and Teresa Sanderson playing multiple roles. "We all know I don't have the qualifications that the others would, or remotely so," said Fabrizio, the producer and on-air talent for KUER's RadioWest. "But they are sweet enough to ask and I'm excited and terrified for the opportunity."

Sound engineer Mark Robinette and sound designer Cory Thorell are in charge of bringing the radio play to life. With a variety of household items, they create the sound effects of thunder, slamming doors, knife stabbings, strangling, creaking ships and horse hoofs.

The small professional theater company has been producing radio plays for the past three years. What's different about this year's production, however, is that the radio show - sound effects and all - will be performed at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center's studio theater in front of a live audience.

Live radio shows are tricky, said "Frankenstein" director Cheryl Ann Cluff, because you have to make the show entertaining for both listener and viewer. "Where it becomes a really big challenge is when the audience sees the actors, they are going to have to be very clear in playing the different characters," said Cluff, Plan-B's managing director. "They have to consider the listening audience, too. It all has to be in the voice."