Using makeshift microphones, (from left) Tim Clark, Didi Chadran, Keith Myles, and Bob Eiland rehearse “Frankenstein” on Oct. 16. The radio play will be presented at the Harvard Public Library, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

The story of Frankenstein, though maybe not the way audiences remember it, is coming to Harvard just in time for Halloween.

On Oct. 29, the Harvard Public Library will host "Frankenstein," a radio play written by Philip Grecian.

The play is based on the memorable Gothic novel by Mary Shelley. Shelley, a self-educated writer, was said to have written the book in response to a dare made by a friend, the poet Lord Byron, to write a ghost story. Shelley conceived the creature from research she did on state-of-the-art medical experiments and from her dreams.

Playwright Grecian notes in the script that, "Mary's story had a dramatic effect—for Lord Byron, upon hearing it, ran from the room in fright. …Mary expanded her story to novel length, publishing it two years later."

Frankenstein aficionados will note Grecian's radio version, which is based on Shelley's writings, differs significantly from the film made famous by screen legend Boris Karloff.

The old-time radio production will be performed live with sound effects to accompany the reading. It is being produced and directed by Bob Eiland who also stars as "the creature."

Eiland, a long-time community theater actor and accomplished playwright, is founder and former president of the Gazebo Players of Medfield. The group is in its eleventh year of producing annual Shakespeare in the Park productions. Eiland is thrilled to be part of the event.

"This 'Frankenstein' is a version true to the Mary Shelley novel: intelligent, thought-provoking and occasionally lyrical. And, I would venture a guess that very few people have ever seen or heard a radio script rendering of this classic story," Eiland said. "I hope people will come and enjoy a truly unique and entertaining show about one of everybody's favorite monsters as part of your Halloween weekend activities."

Bill Cordner, a member of the local band the Lost Chord, will serve as the "Foley," in charge of sound effects. For Cordner, the challenge of pulling together over 100 sounds effects and over 30 pieces of music to accompany the cast reading was truly challenging.

"The most difficult thing to do is to sort through and edit the thousands of sounds available," Cordner said.

The cast is made up of an eclectic mixture of Harvard residents. Noted ukulele performer Danno Sullivan will play the lead role of Victor Frankenstein and his partner in crime and best friend, Henry Clerval, will be played by selectman Tim Clark. Other performers include entrepreneur Didi Chadran, musician Keith Myles, writer Jamie Allard, Bromfield students Emma Noyes and Becca Morin. Friendly Crossways proprietor Mary Helan Turner will serve as the radio announcer.

The play, which is appropriately timed for Halloween weekend, is sponsored by the Friends of the Harvard Public Library and will be held in Volunteers Hall.

The mission of the Friends of the Harvard Public Library "is to encourage, stimulate and promote high quality, diverse professional and amateur creative talents that will enhance the quality of life of our community. We want to create a central gathering place and community resource where people support the transformative power of artistic expression."

Chris Frechette, co-president of the Friends of the Harvard Library and a library trustee, said events like "Frankenstein" are exactly what the Friends had in mind when they created the group.

"As a committee, we saw a need for programming in the unique space of Volunteer's Hall. As a library, our mission is to serve the town of Harvard. We wanted to provide more than books," Frechette said. "The use of the space for musical and dramatic productions, talent shows, and other community events fulfills that goal. This rendition of 'Frankenstein' is something that you won't find anywhere else."

"Frankenstein" will be held in Volunteers Hall on Saturday, Oct. 29. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. show time. Admission is free, however, donations are appreciated.