Tom Mayhall Rastrelli, Statesman Journal 9:05 p.m. PST November 7, 2014

 

A new one-man-show, KARLOFF the play, written and performed by Randy Bowser of Salem, will premiere Friday and play through Nov. 22 at Level B Theater Pub in Pringle Park Plaza, 445 High St. SE.

 

The play narrates the life of horror-movie star Boris "Frankenstein" Karloff in a kaleidoscope of rapid vignettes celebrating art, life and the human spirit.

 

Bowser is a veteran actor and writer who studied at the University of Oregon and in Los Angeles. His musical based on "The Picture of Dorian Gray" premiered at Pentacle Theatre in 2008 and has been running since 2010 at the Stas Namin Centre in Moscow, Russia.

 

KARLOFF the play is the result of a Kickstarter campaign.

 

Sara Karloff, Boris' only child, has authorized the play and will attend the opening weekend performances.

 

"KARLOFF the play isn't just for Karloff fans," Bowser said. "Everyone knows the face of Boris as the monster in 'Frankenstein,' but he was much more than a monster. He remains an iconic movie star, lived a fascinating life and was loved by everyone who knew him."