Fort Worth, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The Hip Pocket Theatre in Fort Worth has indefinitely postponed its adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, citing safety concerns and inappropriate timing related to recent high-profile events. The board of directors expressed fears that the performance could lead to further trauma. The production was set to run from October 10 to November 2 and was intended for mature audiences, prompting reactions from the local community. Ticket holders have been advised to contact the box office for refunds or exchanges as the company reviews the situation.
Fort Worth — Hip Pocket Theatre in Fort Worth has indefinitely postponed its adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The company cited safety concerns and timing related to recent events as the reason for the decision, and the postponement affects a production that had been scheduled to run this fall.
Key details
The decision came as a response to “inappropriate” timing related to “recent high profile events.” The company’s board of directors and artistic management expressed concerns that the performance could “lead to unintended further trauma.” Reactions from patrons and the local community to the wording of the announcement included speculation about the specific events referenced.
Hip Pocket’s managing director, Gianina Lambert, and co-artistic directors, Lorca and Lake Simons, could not be reached for additional comment. Two cast members indicated the postponement was motivated by safety concerns.
Production schedule and content
The production was set to run from October 10 through November 2, 2025. The adaptation was labeled for mature audiences, aged 18 and above, and posed thought-provoking questions regarding humanity and creation. The cast had been selected in March 2025, and rehearsals were initiated last week.
Actor Claire Fountain reported that the cast was informed by Hip Pocket’s board and founder, Johnny Simons, about the postponement citing safety concerns. Fellow cast member Kim Winnubst mentioned that Lambert shared fears of potential violence against the cast and patrons. The play aimed to explore themes of religion and science, making it divisive, though some cast members did not find it more offensive than the original source material.
Artistic preparation and materials
The director, Christina Cranshaw, referred to the script as a “work in progress” and did not provide a copy upon request. The adaptation had been intended to serve as the highlight of Hip Pocket’s 49th season.
Ticketing and audience information
The company publicly apologized to ticket holders for the disruption and advised them to contact the box office for refunds or exchanges. No new dates have been announced, and the postponement is described as indefinite.
Context and broader implications
The decision to postpone this stage adaptation is part of a broader pattern of arts organizations reassessing public events in light of safety concerns. This decision is indicative of increasing concerns about safety in presenting artistic and experimental theatre content amidst current social tensions. The company said its priority is the safety of cast, staff, and patrons while weighing the aims of its art and the potential for unintended harm.
Next steps announced by the company
- Ticket holders are advised to contact the box office for options.
- No replacement dates or new season adjustments have been published at this time.
- The company has paused rehearsals and further public promotion of the production while it reviews the situation.
FAQ
What happened to the production?
Hip Pocket Theatre in Fort Worth has indefinitely postponed its adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Why was the production postponed?
The decision came as a response to “inappropriate” timing related to “recent high profile events.”
Who raised concerns about the performance?
The company’s board of directors and artistic management expressed concerns that the performance could “lead to unintended further trauma.”
Were theatre leaders available for comment?
Hip Pocket’s managing director, Gianina Lambert, and co-artistic directors, Lorca and Lake Simons, could not be reached for additional comment.
Did cast members give reasons for the postponement?
Two cast members indicated the postponement was motivated by safety concerns.
How were cast members informed?
Actor Claire Fountain reported that the cast was informed by Hip Pocket’s board and founder, Johnny Simons, about the postponement citing safety concerns.
Were specific threats mentioned?
Fellow cast member Kim Winnubst mentioned that Lambert shared fears of potential violence against the cast and patrons.
When was the production scheduled to run?
The production was set to run from October 10 through November 2, 2025.
What age group was the play intended for?
The adaptation was labeled for mature audiences, aged 18 and above, and posed thought-provoking questions regarding humanity and creation.
When were casting and rehearsals conducted?
The cast had been selected in March 2025, and rehearsals were initiated last week.
What is the status of the script?
The director, Christina Cranshaw, referred to the script as a “work in progress” and did not provide a copy upon request.
How has the company addressed ticket holders?
The company publicly apologized to ticket holders for the disruption and advised them to contact the box office.
What broader meaning did the company assign to the decision?
This decision is indicative of increasing concerns about safety in presenting artistic and experimental theatre content amidst current social tensions.
Production details at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Indefinitely postponed |
| Production | Adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein |
| Location | Fort Worth |
| Original run dates | October 10 through November 2, 2025 |
| Audience rating | Mature audiences, aged 18 and above |
| Casting | Cast selected in March 2025; rehearsals initiated last week |
| Reason given | Safety concerns and “inappropriate” timing related to “recent high profile events” |
| Company action | Public apology to ticket holders; advised contact with box office |
| Season impact | Intended highlight of Hip Pocket’s 49th season |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas News: Fort Worth Theater Shelves Play Due to Recent High-Profile Events
- CultureMap Fort Worth: Hip Pocket 2025 Season
- Star-Telegram: Article on Texas Events
- Wikipedia: Frankenstein
- Google Search: Theater Safety Concerns
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