News

The Houston Country Playhouse's production of Frankenstein helmed by Phil Nichols is gearing up for its October 12th start, and we just got word that a new lead actor is stepping into the pivotal role of Victor Frankenstein.

Nichols told us, "We’re in the home stretch on Frankenstein. Unfortunately, Sam Martinez left the production for personal reasons, but a fresh young actor named Louis Crespo, Jr., is taking over the part of Victor Frankenstein." Phil sent over a gallery's worth of stills featuring Crespo, which you can see below.

Synopsis:

FX master and director Phil Nichols’ (Groundead, Renfield: The Un-Dead, Boggy Creek 2010, Psychic Experiment, Reel FX make-up kits) take on this production of Frankenstein by Victor Gialanella from the novel by Mary Shelley is "high Hammer horror style". Nichols says, “We’re pulling out all the stops to homage the Peter Cushing Frankenstein films, drawing inspiration from Evil of...

A new stage production of Frankenstein is heading to Houston's Country Playhouse this October 12-27, and director Phil Nichols sent over a big batch of goodies to help whet the appetites of any Texans who might be interested in attending.

Phil tells us that rehearsals have begun, and along with testing the make-up, he recently shot the pre-production promo video you'll see below.

From the Press Release:

FX master and director Phil Nichols’ (Groundead, Renfield: The Un-Dead, Boggy Creek 2010, Psychic Experiment, Reel FX make-up kits) take on this production of Frankenstein by Victor Gialanella from the novel by Mary Shelley is "high Hammer horror style". Nichols says, “We’re pulling out all the stops to homage the Peter Cushing Frankenstein films, drawing inspiration from Evil of Frankenstein and Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell especially.”

Sam Martinez (Willard Caine in Renfield: The Un-Dead) is playing Baron Victor Frankenstein. Melissa L. Nichols...

Actor/writer/director/producer/special effects maven Phil Nichols is one of the busiest guys we know, but in honor of our Indie Horror Month celebration, he took some time to drop us a line with an update on what he's been up to.

First off, casting is complete on Phil's upcoming stage production of Frankenstein at the Country Playhouse in Houston, Texas (more info on the play can be found by clicking here). The cast includes a few Renfield: The Un-Dead alums along with several newcomers.

Cast Members:

Victor Frankenstein: Sam Martinez

The Creature: Michael Raabe

DeLacey (the blind hermit): John W. Stevens

Hana Metz, Body Snatcher: Melissa Nichols

Petunia Schmidt, Body Snatcher: Mary Westbrook

Body Snatcher Boy: Taylor Biltoft

Elizabeth: Maredith Zaritski

Justine: Amesti Reioux

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley: Angela Denny

Alphonse: Vance Johnson

Henry Clerval: Steve Dowell

Herr Mueller: Bob Galley

Frau Mueller:...

                                                 

We released some images from Renfield: The Undead last week and today thanks to Dread Central we have the trailer debut for you to check out and whatever you do don't pass this up becasue it looks freaking awesome people and the makeup FX are crazy!

The film is directed by Bob Willems who is also the executive producer and stars Julin, Keli Wolfe, Paul Damon, Tyler Tackett, Roxanne Cook, Calvin Lafiton, Denise Williamson, Shelley Boozer, Vance Johnson and Phil Nichols as Renfield and also wrote the screenplay and serves as producer.

Synopsis:

R. N. Renfield (Nichols), once the slave of Dracula, is now an insane vampire stalking a modern metropolis (Bayou City). Known as "The Bayou City Butcher", he is pursued by Detective Paul Cranston, a driven homicide investigator who always gets his man.

Renfield is also sought by Mina Harker (newcomer Roxy Cook), now also a vampire, and her hybrid-vampire son,...