Reading scares up a good time

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 31, 2003 by LINDA DuVAL

Not to mix metaphors, but the selection of "Frankenstein," by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, opens a real Pandora's box for readers in the Pikes Peak region.

Should we be serious about the issues raised in the book, or have some fun with it?

The Pikes Peak Library District has decided to do both.

All Pikes Peak Reads is a literary program designed to involve everyone in El Paso County in the reading and discussion of a single book each year, according to the library's mission statement.

"Frankenstein," selected by a vote of library patrons, follows last year's "To Kill a Mockingbird" as the focus of this year's events.

"It's a timeless work filled with issues pertinent to our times and our culture," says Cathy Matthews of the Pikes Peak Library District. "Written 185 years ago, the book poses questions about science, humankind and our society that have never been more current."

Discussion groups will take on the moral and ethical issues of medical experimentation and ostracism of people who are different. But a costume ball and fun films have been added to the mix.

All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Scheduled events include:

Monday: Start reading. Local bookstores promise to be well stocked.

The APPR Writing Project begins. Participants will attend writing seminars, work with a mentor, then submit their work to win cash prizes and be published. For adults and teenagers. To inquire, call 531-6333, ext. 2201 or 1221.

Sept. 19-Oct. 12: Theatreworks of Colorado Springs and The Flying Machine theater company of New York City present an original adaptation of "Frankenstein." Call 262-3232 for ticket prices and show times. Matinees are planned to accommodate school groups.

Sept. 25-28: Bloody Poetry: a production of University of Colorado at Colorado Springs' Student Theatre. Howard Brenton's play reassembles the most sensational literary quartet in history, when Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley and Claire Clairemont summered together in Switzerland in 1816, and experimented with radical ways of living. Call 262-3232 for ticket prices and showtimes.

Sept. 28: 1 p.m., "It's Alive" party with games, music, stories, crafts and fun. Free. Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave.

4 p.m., Colorado Springs Philharmonic presents a "Classic Monster Music Family Concert" with a special spooky guest. Call 520-SHOW (7469) for ticket information. Pikes Peak Center.

Sept. 29: All-day open house at all Pikes Peak Library District branches with monster treats, story times and giveaways.

Oct. 2: 7 p.m., "Modern Monsters & Medical Ethics," a program on the evolving worlds of science and medicine. East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd.

Oct. 3: 9:30 a.m., repeat of "Modern Monsters & Medical Ethics." East Library.

Oct. 4: 7 p.m., "Mary - In Her Own Words," a single-character play about Mary Shelley and her tragic life. Call 531-6333, ext. 1221, for ticket information. Colorado Springs School, 21 Broadmoor Ave.

Oct. 4-5: All day, visit a participating bookseller for the Pikes Peak Booklovers Event. Purchases will help raise funds to support local reading programs.

Oct. 8: 7 p.m., "Presenting Mary Shelley," with speaker Susan Frontzcak, who brings the troubled young author to life in this program. East Library.

Oct. 9: 9:30 a.m., repeat of "Presenting Mary Shelley." East Library.

Oct. 11: 1 p.m., Monster Film Festival. Catch various versions of Hollywood's monster, from Boris Karloff to Robert De Niro. Popcorn and drinks provided. Penrose Public Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave., and East Library.

Oct. 13: 10 a.m., schoolchildren off for Columbus Day can enjoy cartoon versions of Frankenstein, with crafts and story times about everybody's favorite monster. East Library.

1 p.m., El Paso County Coroner's Office presents a deathscene investigation geared for teenagers. East Library.

6:30 p.m., screening of Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein." Treats provided. Rockrimmon branch library, 832 Village Center Drive.

Oct. 14: 6:30 p.m., "Young Frankenstein" screening, Monument branch library, 1706 Lake Woodmoor Drive.

Oct. 15: 6:30 p.m., "Young Frankenstein" screening Cheyenne Mountain branch library, 1791-D S. Eighth St.

Oct. 16: 1 p.m., blood- and organ-donation drive in partnership with Memorial Hospital. East Library.

6:30 p.m., "Young Frankenstein" screening, Sand Creek branch library, 1821 S. Academy Blvd.

Oct. 17: 4 p.m., "Movie Makeup Magic." Teens meet Michael F. Blake, Hollywood makeup artist whose work on TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" earned him an Emmy. See how monster makeup has evolved. Carnegie Reading Room at Penrose Public Library.

7 p.m., "The Darker Faces of Lon Chaney." Michael F. Blake presents a program on the life and accomplishments of Colorado native Lon Chaney, whose prowess as an on-screen monster is legendary. Lon Chaney Theater, 221 E. Kiowa St.

Oct. 18: Noon and 2 p.m., Colorado Springs Dance Theatre presents Michael Cooper's "Masks," a visual arts and mime presentation using handcrafted masks, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St. Tickets are $7. Call 634-5583 for tickets and information.